Seattle Seahawks Quarterback Geno Smith shares a few similarities to a comet. 

Both come out of nowhere and burn bright. They also feel fleeting and impermanent — here today and gone tomorrow. Smith, the long-time backup option, and former starter on various NFL teams, finally got his moment in the sun during the 2022 NFL season. And in Seattle in a starting role, he proved to possess legitimate quarterback skill. 

So, naturally, Seattle and Smith are in contract talks. The two sides want to come together on a deal, but it is clear that the price point has to be right for both sides involved. 

"They would love to have him back," NFL Network's Mike Garafolo said ahead of Pete Carroll's press conference. "You are talking about quarterbacks with a tag in the 30s. That is what we keep talking about. If you're the Seahawks, you'd love to get it done for less than that, but still, pay him handsomely in comparison to what he was making in the time in between his stints as a starting quarterback. 

"I know they'd [Seahawks] would love to get it done somewhere in the 20s. That is a fair number in the mind of the Seahawks… The question is who else is willing to come operate, step up, and pay him [Geno Smith]." 

The Seahawks are looking to sign Smith to a team-friendly deal, but if Smith elects to play under the franchise tag, his price point may jump into the $30-million range. 

What made Smith such a pleasant surprise in the 2022 season was that his play outvalued the price point on his contract. He was a Pro Bowler being paid like a veteran backup because prior to last season, that is what he was as a player. 

However, he has now played his way into an expensive raise. Smith finished the 2022 season eighth in passing yards (4,282), fourth in touchdowns (30), and seventh in QBR (60.8). 

A collection of Geno Smith’s best throws of the season. A career reborn. His deep ball is a thing of beauty. pic.twitter.com/Yc1MzyAvSJ

— Kendell Hollowell (@KHollowell_) February 23, 2023

Smith took what many predicted would be a rebuilding Seahawks season and led the team to the Wild Card round of the NFL Playoffs. 

2022 marked the first year Smith combined his raw talent with an improving football awareness, and as a result, he made Seattle one of the most exciting offensive teams in the NFL. 

But Smith at $30-million is drastically different than Smith at $3.5-million. And it is clear the Seahawks aren't completely willing to just sign Smith to whatever contract his representatives are seeking. 

For leverage in negotiations, Carroll admitted that the Seahawks are still evaluating other quarterback options alongside re-signing Smith. 

"We are totally connected to the quarterbacks coming out," Carroll said. "We have been drafting in the low 20s for such a long time, so you just don't get the chance at these guys. So we are deeply involved with that all."

Pete Carroll says Seahawks would definitely consider still taking a QB high in draft even if they re-sign Geno Smith. pic.twitter.com/Nh6uAMuvIX

— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) February 28, 2023

So, whether Smith returns as a Seahawk is to be determined. However, Seattle appears willing to bring him back at the right price. And if that deal can't be reached, the organization appears eager to explore other options. 

Feature image via Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports.