While the Seahawks are certainly likely to move on from a few highly paid players, one thing has become very clear over the last couple of days: Geno Smith and DK Metcalf will be back in 2025.
Mike Macdonald and new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak both emphasized Smith is Seattle’s quarterback and said they have big plans for Metcalf.
In an interview with FOX 13, Macdonald said Kubiak will “utilize the entire roster,” Smith can help the Seahawks win the Super Bowl and Metcalf will be the “main focal point” of the passing game.
Macdonald seemed to put all of the scuttlebutt about Smith and Metcalf to rest with his strong words about both. And NFL Network also reported on Super Bowl Sunday that the Hawks plan to give Smith a raise while keeping themselves “flexible” to acquiring a long-term quarterback.
Kubiak, son of Gary, has a stellar pedigree and has been in the NFL for over a decade – which is the kind of experience Macdonald wanted in his new offensive coordinator after suffering through the inexperience of Ryan Grubb in 2024. Macdonald also has known the Kubiaks for a long time and thinks Klint has “really carved his own path and identity in the football world. The system he brings has kind of evolved over time.”
“I think there’s a lot of clarity in what we’re trying to do,’’ Macdonald added Tuesday. “There’s a lot of detail. (Kubiak’s offense) has kind of lived through all the things that can happen to a quarterback. So it’s very clean in terms of progressions, and I think there’s an accountability factor for the whole football team.”
Macdonald wants better balance in his offense, which means more running the ball and more play-action passing. Kubiak should do both.
In his two full-time stints as OC, 2021 in Minnesota and 2024 in New Orleans, Kubiak was middle of the NFL pack in run balance (15th with Minnesota, 17th with New Orleans). The Hawks, meanwhile, have been 28th the past two seasons.
In 2024, New Orleans ranked ninth in play-action air yards, while Seattle was 31st. The Saints were 14th in play-action passes, while the Hawks were 29th. This is a tool that greatly helps an offensive line – and thus the quarterback.
Macdonald said Metcalf is a “main focal point” and “we have a lot of cool plans for DK.” That says all you need to know about whether the Hawks are planning to shop the receiver. The trade market figures to be saturated anyway, with Cooper Kupp and Deebo Samuel among those potentially being moved.
Macdonald said Kubiak had “the best vision” of how to use Metcalf of all of the candidates who interviewed for Seattle’s OC job. And Macdonald said Kubiak has a history of utilizing talented receivers like Metcalf – e.g., Justin Jefferson in Minnesota and Chris Olave in New Orleans.
As for quarterback, there are not any obvious better options for Seattle than Smith, which is surely why Macdonald continues to verbally show confidence in him.
About the divided fan perceptions of Smith, the coach told FOX 13, “I don’t understand the conversation. It’s pretty obvious this guy is a heck of a quarterback. He’s our quarterback. We love him. … And I know he’s really excited about Klint taking over. This guy, yeah, he’s a great player, man. And we can win a championship with Geno Smith. We really believe that and can’t wait to get back to work with him.”
Kubiak was effusive in his praise of Smith for his toughness and ability to win games in the fourth quarter.
“We have high expectations for him,’’ Kubiak said. “We’re going to push Geno and get the best out of him, and we’ll do that by pushing his teammates as well. It’s not just his show. It’s a team thing and he’s got to be the head of that.’’
Of course, first will come a contract extension for Smith. As we previously suggested, the Hawks could give him a two-year deal that pays him $40 million guaranteed and averages as much as $37 million. It might have similar inducements to the previous deal.
That figures to be handled before March 16, when Smith is due a $16 million roster bonus.
Macdonald’s and Kubiak’s words about Metcalf make it seem likely he too will get an extension – expected in the $30 million range.
Then it will be up to Kubiak to get the most bang for the buck from both his quarterback and his No. 1 receiver.
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I don’t the hurry that many fans and content creators are in to move on from Metcalf. I get that in a narrow sense his numbers are replaceable. But no one is going to find a wide receiver with DK’s size and speed. (Robert Turbin describes Metcalf as a possession receiver who can take the top off the field.)
Last year, Metcalf played hurt* and for a coordinator who wasn’t sure how to use him. Health and a coach who can get DK the ball in the middle of the field will work wonders.
* Compare his pre- and post-injury game logs. It’s day and night stuff.
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