Carroll: Seahawks could draft QB early, even if Geno returns

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll acknowledged that the team could consider a quarterback in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, even if Geno Smith returns.

"We're totally connected to the quarterbacks coming out," Caroll responded when asked if the team could re-sign Smith and draft a quarterback, according to The Seattle Times' Bob Condotta. "This is a really huge opportunity for us. It's a rare opportunity. We've been drafting in the low 20s for such a long time. You just don't get the chance at these guys. So we're deeply involved with all them."

The Seahawks currently own the fifth and 20th overall selections in the draft. They acquired the No. 5 overall pick when the team traded quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos prior to the 2022 campaign.

Alabama's Bryce Young, Ohio State's C.J. Stroud, Kentucky's Will Levis, and Florida's Anthony Richardson are all expected to go in the first round when the draft kicks off April 27.

Smith started all 17 games for the Seahawks in 2022 after spending most of his career as a backup. The 32-year-old led the league in completion percentage (69.8%) while throwing for 4,282 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. His efforts won him the Associated Press' Comeback Player of the Year award.

Smith is currently not under contract for 2023. Seattle can use the franchise tag or negotiate an extension to retain his services. Smith previously said that extension talks were going well.