Despite Geno Smith‘s resurgent campaign in his first season with the Seahawks, head coach Pete Carroll admitted Seattle is mulling all options when it comes to the 2023 draft, including potentially drafting a quarterback.
During a media address on Tuesday, Carroll described the Seahawks as being "totally connected" to the top quarterbacks in the draft, via Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times.
“We’re totally connected to the quarterbacks that are coming out. 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 with some of these guys. So we’re deeply involved with all that,” said Carroll.
The Seahawks own the fifth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, courtesy of the Russell Wilson trade with the Broncos. Seattle also owns the No. 20 selection. While Smith's resurgence was a heartwarming storyline for the surprise Seahawks in ’22, Carroll indicated Seattle isn’t going to pass up on a potential franchise-changing quarterback if the opportunity presents itself.
Smith is set to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason, having played the 2022 NFL season on a one-year, $3.5 million deal. While a return to the Seahawks remains a possibility, Carroll made clear that Seattle is leaving no stone unturned when it comes to the young quarterbacks in this draft class.
