Seahawks Signing Geno Smith Instead of Cam Newton to Back up Russell Wilson is a Joke

The Carolina Panthers releasing Cam Newton was inevitable, and most NFL analysts predicted that the 31-year-old quarterback would find a new home almost immediately. However, that's been anything but the case as there's been hardly any buzz surrounding Newton's market.

As maddening as it is, things turned joke-worthy on Thursday when the Seattle Seahawks signed Geno Smith to a one-year contract to backup Russell Wilson.

Geno Smith and Seahawks have agreed to terms on a one-year deal, per source.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) May 14, 2020

Heaven forbid Wilson suffered a serious injury, the Seahawks' championship aspirations would be completely derailed. Rostering a proven QB like Newton, who should be fresher than ever, as insurance to the six-time Pro Bowler would keep that objective afloat.

It's duly noted that Wilson is one of the most durable gunslingers in the NFL, but having a journeyman like Smith, who's attempted just 96 passes across the last five seasons as his backup, is incredibly risky.

The #Seahawks are re-signing veteran QB Geno Smith to a 1-year deal, per @JFowlerESPN.
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) May 14, 2020

And please don't say that Newton is waiting to sign with a franchise that will deploy him as its starting quarterback. There are zero openings, and teams where the three-time Pro Bowler would serve as an upgrade at the position are openly trying to lose.

Smith spent 2019 with Seattle so he's familiar with the system, but that doesn't come close to justifying the franchise retaining him with a player of Newton's caliber out there for the plucking.