MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – What an eight-month period it has been for former West Virginia University quarterback Geno Smith!
 
After spending the last eight years working contract-to-contract as a backup quarterback, ESPN reported yesterday that Smith and the Seattle Seahawks are finalizing a three-year deal that will pay him $105 million, including $52 million in 2023.
 
In 10 prior seasons in the NFL, Smith made roughly $17.5 million, according to ESPN.
 
Geno is being rewarded for his breakout season in 2022 that saw him set single-season club records for completions (399) and passing yards (4,282), eclipsing the marks set by previous quarterback Russell Wilson during 16-game seasons.
 
Smith's performance earned him NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors and his first Pro Bowl berth.
 
Once Wilson signed a free agent deal with the Denver Broncos, Smith beat out presumed favorite Drew Lock during the preseason and led Seattle to an unexpected playoff berth where the Seahawks lost to the San Francisco 49ers in a wild card game.
 
The Miramar, Florida, native's career NFL passing totals show 11,199 yards and 64 touchdowns with 48 interceptions.
 
Smith, 32, was a record-setting quarterback at WVU playing for coaches Bill Stewart and Dana Holgorsen from 2009-2012.