The money probably hasn't even hit quarterback Geno Smith's bank account, but he's already playing for something more — security. 

Smith earned his three-year contract extension after playing at an incredibly high level in the 2022 NFL season. The deal was a team-friendly one. And it also indicated that the Seahawks, though they appreciate what Smith adds to the team, know he may not be the long-term answer at the quarterback position. 

Smith knows that. He also knows the Seattle Seahawks have been flirting with some of the draft-eligible quarterbacks as the team is presented with a rare opportunity to a franchise accustomed to drafting in the late 20s. 

So, in 2023, Smith is playing for more. He's playing to prove himself to be the long-term answer to the post-Russell Wilson-Seahawks era. 

"I believe in team, I know how important it is for everyone to have an opportunity and so I trust these guys," Smith told reporters on Thursday. "I understand that these guys are building a championship team and that's what we're about here, and so I really wanted to be a part of that. I'm just happy that we're able to find common ground that was balanced and worked for everyone.”

Smith was the Comeback Player of the Year. He was also the reason the Seahawks made the NFL Wild Card round when many pegged them to be a rebuilding team. Like Smith, the 2022 season was a present surprise. 

And in 2023, he is working toward building something long-lasting and meaningful. 

“I just believe in my ability," Smith remarked. "I believe that with the guys around me, with the coaches that we have, I think the future's very bright for us and so with the contracts and the incentives, it's just a way, obviously, for both parties to make it work. It allows the team room and space to do what they need to do, but it also gives me an opportunity to be one of the top 10 paid quarterbacks, which is something that I believe I am. So with all those things, I think it worked out pretty great.”

To get to a long-term position with the Seahawks, Smith will have to improve. He was by no means perfect last season. Near the end of the year, turnovers became a legitimate problem as he tended to force the issue and push the ball into spaces it didn't belong. 

The good news is that Smith isn't someone who is bashful about improving. He recognizes his imperfections and knows that he will have to build on those shortcomings to not be a one-year wonder.

And it appears — at least on the surface — that he is willing to do what it takes to become not just a guy, but the guy. 

"Just being around this organization, the type of coaches we have, the type of players on this team, the leadership from top to bottom, it's all about getting better and all about competing every single day. I think that that breeds excellence. So I believe that although we did some great things last year, the sky's the limit for what we can do this year and I think we can improve on in so many ways. That's really what I look forward to. That's all my offseason is about, improving and coming back a better player.”