General manager John Schneider and chief salary-cap and contract executive Joey Laine know all this, of course. They are the ones doing the NFL math on the decision about Smith’s future with the team. They will present to team chair Jody Allen, vice chair Bert Kolde and Macdonald the future at quarterback as they see it.

With Coby Bryant rising into the starting lineup and becoming a star at free safety, the Seahawks can afford to let Rayshawn Jenkins go one year into the two-year deal he signed last March. Jenkins played relatively well early in the 2024 season but he's expendable now and cutting him would save the team $5.28 million.

A $10 million roster bonus due to the 34-year-old quarterback on the 5th day of the new league year means a choice is near.