The HD&F Endorsement – Seahawks Should Sign QB Troy Smith
One of the more underrated “what-if” scenarios of all time involves Ravens backup QB Troy Smith. After a great rookie campaign that had many for him to take over the starting job from Kyle Boller (I know I know…), he was slated to start for the Ravens in 2008. During the preseason he caught a rare case of tonsillitis, which allowed the Ravens staff to take a more detailed look at this other guy they drafted named Flacco. Smith has never really been a factor since.
This offseason, the Ravens placed a shockingly low 5th round tender on the 25-year-old QB, making Smith one of the best under-the-radar bargains out there. Smith has a great arm, is evasive, smart, and is one of the consensus best backups in the league. He was a winner in college and has embraced his role as a backup (at least as much as any young, talented backup can).
More importantly, if the Seahawks aren’t going to spend that #6 pick on a quarterback in the upcoming draft, there is absolutely no question that no other acquisition could provide as much bang for their buck as using a fifth rounder for the right to sign Smith. I’m not saying he’s the second coming of Brees or Manning but he has a Steve McNair (his former tutor) level ceiling and if needed he could start now. It’s the kind of move that a smart franchise should absolutely investigate.
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Amen Brother.
Troy would be a great pick-up for the Hawks. The guy is a winner and great in the locker room. Too many people let one game (MNC against Florida) dictate his potential as a Pro QB.
If Seneca Wallace is the answer in the future, then the Sounders will have more season ticket holders by the end of the 2011 season
Troy is a weak armed bum who should shut his mouth. Have fun wasting even a 5th rounder on this chump. Good riddens! RavenBobby!
you’re an idiot who apparently knows nothing about football
Story souds like what happened to a young Marques Tuiasosopo. Hopefully the Seahawks can unearth this gem before it gets too old.
I was actually going to make a Tui comparison but decided against it. By all accounts, Tui just got stuck in an awful situation in Oakland, and once Gruden left he didn’t really have people lobbying for him. He was essentially roster meat.
Smith similarly lost his head coach after his rookie season when Billick was let go, but he still had backers and people in the front office who really liked him. While the Raiders are probably the most dysfunctional front office in the NFL, the Ravens are universally considered one of the smartest and most cohesive. If Smith doesn’t get sick in 2008, he gets his shot at running that team.
By all accounts, he really wants to go to Cleveland, but I really hope this possibility was investigated (especially in light of the Wallace move today).
I love the idea of picking up Smith, but I have a man crush on finding Tui and bringing him back up to the PNW. He is probably QB coaching some prep squad right now, and just waiting for the call back to the game. I see a great comeback story in this one… or a waste of a roster spot. One or the other.