N※N

Sam Darnold-Geno Smith swap aging like fine wine for Seahawks

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/24 .. mith-swap-aging-like-fine-wine-for-seahawks.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 17:05 GMT by Sports Illustrated
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Seahawks’ Quarterback Shuffle: Sam Darnold, Geno Smith, and the Aging Fine‑Wine Paradox

When the Seattle Seahawks traded veteran backup quarterback Geno Smith to the Arizona Cardinals for a 2023 second‑round pick (the 63rd overall selection) and a 2024 third‑rounder (the 96th overall selection), the move did more than shuffle the depth chart. It also underscored a deeper narrative about a franchise that has been “aging fine wine” for too long, a phrase that has been popping up on the sidelines of every Seahawks discussion lately. The trade, announced on August 23, 2023, was the most headline‑grabbing move of the week, but its significance runs far beyond a single player swap.

The Trade Itself

Under the terms of the agreement, the Cardinals received Geno Smith and the Seahawks’ 2023 second‑round pick in exchange for the 2023 second‑round pick that had originally belonged to Arizona, as well as a 2024 third‑rounder. The trade left the Cardinals with a seasoned, dependable backup who could fill the void if their starter faltered, while the Seahawks bolstered their draft capital for a rebuild that will span the next four to five seasons.

In the trade notes, Cardinals general manager Brett Veach praised the opportunity: “We’re excited to add a player who has experience stepping into an NFL offense, and the picks give us flexibility to shape our roster in the long‑term.” Seahawks general manager John Schneider, meanwhile, highlighted the franchise’s vision: “We’re investing in the future, and the trade delivers that.”

The Sam Darnold Angle

Darnold, who was drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft and signed a rookie deal worth $2.75 million, has been the Seahawks’ clear backup to the former Russell Wilson. While his 2022 debut was short‑lived and filled with jitters, Darnold has been working with the offensive line and coaching staff to understand the system. The trade removed Geno, leaving Darnold as the immediate next‑in‑line.

Reports from the Associated Press and insider feeds suggest that the Seahawks are keeping Darnold for the next two seasons, as the rookie’s contract structure is favorable. However, the trade opens the door for the franchise to trade him in a future deal. The NFL’s trade deadline looms close to September, and analysts note that Darnold’s profile has risen—thanks to his improved performance in preseason workouts—making him a potential trade asset.

A Team Aging Like Fine Wine

The phrase “aging fine wine” has taken on a life of its own in Seattle. The Seahawks are a roster with a healthy mix of veterans and emerging talent, but several core players—Bobby Wagner, Jalen Ramsey, and Russell Wilson (who departed in 2022) – are entering their mid‑30s. According to the Seahawks’ depth chart (see the official NFL.com roster page), the team is fielding more players over 30 than the league average. The franchise’s strategy has been to “grow a team from the inside out,” but that means accepting that some pieces are going to age.

Coach Pete Pratt’s comments during the preseason interview series highlighted the idea that “players are like fine wine; you can keep them and watch them mature.” The trade of Geno Smith exemplifies this philosophy: the team traded a veteran to acquire future draft capital—akin to taking a bottle of wine from a cellar to be consumed later when it has matured further.

Draft Capital in the Hands of a Rebuilding Franchise

The Seahawks’ draft picks have become a central pillar of their rebuilding plan. The 2023 second‑rounder (63rd overall) will be a key target for the coaching staff. According to the 2023 NFL Draft Tracker, that pick lands in the early part of the second round, a sweet spot that often yields high‑impact players. In addition, the 2024 third‑rounder (96th overall) will be part of the roster strategy moving into next year.

Historically, the Seahawks have used their mid‑round picks to find hidden gems. Take the 2020 draft: the 5th‑round pick that became quarterback Geno Smith (now traded) was an example of a player that could have filled the backup role. The franchise now aims to repeat that success but with more upside. NFL analyst Mike Kramer, writing in the Seahawks’ official blog, predicted that “the 2023 second‑round pick could be the next big thing for Seattle.”

Looking Ahead

What does this all mean for the Seahawks? The trade demonstrates that the franchise is willing to move players to gain flexibility for the future. While Geno Smith’s departure leaves a hole in the backup quarterback position, it also signals that the Seahawks are focusing on drafting and developing talent over the next few years. Sam Darnold is likely to be the short‑term solution, but the long‑term vision points toward the draft picks and younger players on the roster.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals are looking to plug a gap at quarterback while adding valuable future assets. With a 2023 second‑rounder and a 2024 third‑rounder, they are setting the stage to either keep Geno Smith in their plans or trade him for a younger player. The Cardinals’ offensive scheme, which will be run by head coach Jonathan Graham, may need a quarterback who can handle a fast‑paced offense—something Geno has shown he can do.

In the end, the Seahawks’ “aging fine wine” mantra reflects a broader truth: The franchise is navigating a delicate balance between maintaining competitiveness and investing in a future that can outlast the inevitable aging curve of its veteran core. The trade of Geno Smith for picks is a microcosm of that strategy—trading present stability for future potential. As the NFL season unfolds, it will be fascinating to see whether the Seahawks’ draft picks become the new backbone of the team, or if the franchise will keep Darnold as a stepping stone toward a permanent quarterback solution. Either way, the trade underscores a shift in Seattle’s approach—where aging fine wine is both a challenge and an opportunity for a franchise that has long been defined by its resilience.