Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith has an opportunity to secure an extra $6 million by delivering a standout performance against the Los Angeles Rams.
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According to CBS Sports, Smith's contract has multiple incentives tied to his performance on the field and his ability to set career-best marks. Multiple are in play this weekend, each worth $2 million.
The first incentive is tied to passing yards. Smith needs to throw for 186 yards against the Rams. This would take him to a career-high 4,283 yards on the season and would secure $2 million.
The second incentive is tied to the completion percentage. Smith needs to end the regular season with a percentage above 69.755. He enters the regular-season finale at 70.2%. If he can remain above 69.755%, he will secure another $2 million.
With the Seahawks eliminated from the playoffs due to strength of schedule tiebreakers, Smith only has one other incentive in play against the rival Rams. He needs to simply beat the NFC West team and take the Seahawks to 10 wins.
Smith had multiple other incentives in play earlier in the season. He could have earned $4 million total by surpassing his career-best marks in passing touchdowns (30) and passer rating (100.874).
The veteran quarterback only has 17 passing touchdowns this season, so he missed out on that particular incentive. His passer rating entering Week 18 is only 90.5.
How attainable are the incentives still in play this weekend? They are well within reach based on the previous game against the Rams.
The Seahawks and Rams last faced off on Nov. 3. This was a home game for the Seahawks. Smith threw for 363 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions during a 26-20 overtime loss. He completed 61.8% of his throws.
If Smith matches the yards, he will check off one item on the incentives list. If he matches the completion percentage, he will end the season at 70.46%. This would check off the second item on the incentives list.
The third item is more of a question mark. The Rams have already clinched a spot in the playoffs, so they will use Week 18 as an opportunity to rest starter Matthew Stafford. Backup Jimmy Garoppolo will get the start at quarterback as he attempts to lead the Rams to the win.
According to The Athletic, the Rams will rest some other starters. They just have not provided this information yet. Regardless of how many starters rest this week, having Stafford out of the lineup will improve the odds for Smith and the Seahawks as he seeks another $2 million.
