There is a lot riding on this discussion on both sides, Team vs. Geno, Geno vs. Team. Finding the right answer to this question which has many facets is not going to be easy for either side.
Geno certainly had a great year, exceptional in fact. However, was that it, his best year ever? Will he continue to improve, or will there be a reversion to his median? He certainly has shown he is a QB that can be a winner, but can he win games coming from behind? Was he lucky or just good this year as some here have questioned? Did his play tail off towards the end of the year, or had he been figured out? Can he win from behind with the game on the line? I ask again, because I’m not sure. To me there is a price or a contract with numerous rich incentives that would allow the team to keep him, but there are still questions to be answered. That said the decision to keep him or let him be signed elsewhere is risky for both sides. For Geno he can keep one of only 32 special jobs here but he still needs to prove himself, but may not if he prices himself out of the market the team is prepared to play. Can he be replaced with an adequate replacement in a year where the team can draft a quality young QB to develop? I’d certainly try to keep him but not at franchise money. Tough choices are to made for both sides.
For me he’s for sure not at the level of Mahommes, or Burrow, Allen, or perhaps 2-3 others but he could be in the top 6-8 if he can build or sustain this last season’s performance. No doubt his play was special, he showed he has a lot more to his game than I believed he had. Still I do have reservations, he needs to prove this year wasn’t a flash in the pan.
This comes down to money, and cap management. It will be an interesting decision. I like him though, his humility, and team first attitude. For sure he’s good and steady and that is OK, but would a special rookie be better for the team?