But when he finally got a chance to compete for and win a starting spot, Smith took advantage of the opportunity, earning Pro-Bowl honors in 2022 while helping lead the Seahawks to a playoff berth, an impressive return to prominence that saw him earn Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year honors.
Smith again earned Pro Bowl honors in 2023, then last season he set single-season franchise records with a 70.4 percent completion percentage, 407 completions and 4,320 passing yards. Smith also led 12 game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime over his three years as a starter, the second most in the league over that span behind only Patrick Mahomes.
Following trades of Smith and receiver DK Metcalf, the Seahawks now have 10 total draft picks, including five in the first three rounds.
While things didn't work out for Smith to stick around in 2025, he will leave Seattle as a well-respected leader and competitor who impressed fans, coaches and teammates alike with his play the past three seasons. Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald referred to Smith as an "elite competitor" last season, and also called him "a big bright spot on our football team… he's a galvanizing force. The guy's competing his tail off."
Now, Smith is off to Vegas to play for Carroll, who once called him "one of my all-time favorite guys," and the Seahawks will kick off a new era at quarterback.