RENTON, Wash. — I don't know if it's Rule No. 1 in sports writing, but it's on the first page: If you're going to complain about some people being boring, don't complain about others being candid.

Honest answers always beat the safe ones, and if we're talking about ex-Seahawks quarterbacks — that's one of the chief distinctions between Geno Smith and Russell Wilson.

ESPN.com ran a lengthy feature about the former on Monday, and it was clear that Smith wasn't scanning his mind for which words would land the softest. But were they controversial? Eh, I'm not so sure about that.

The story detailed what's now a well-known journey from Jets starter to longtime backup to Seahawks Pro Bowler to a $37.5 million-a-year quarterback with the Raiders. It went heavy on his relationship with current Raiders and former Seahawks coach Pete Carroll and the bond he shares with Geno. But it also touched on his time here in Seattle, and it was hardly a hagiography to the Emerald City or the franchise he spent six seasons with.

On meshing with the town: Vegas is perfect for me," Smith told ESPN. " … Me being a Miami kid, and how I was raised and act, I really didn't fit the culture [in Seattle]."

On unfair expectations: "I always felt like I was trying to replace Russell (Wilson) and you can never replace all the great things that he did. So I never felt like Seattle was my team."

On fitting in with the franchise: "Also, I didn't feel like I fit the aesthetic of the Seattle organization. The Raiders just fit me."

None of these seems like a harsh rebuke of the place Smith lived or the team he used to play for. Seattle isn't for everyone. It has a rabid sports fan base, no doubt, but it also has a distinct culture and weather pattern that might not jell with someone who grew up in South Florida.

And it's not easy to replace a (likely) future Hall of Famer. Every now and then you get a Steve Young or an Aaron Rodgers, but it's generally preferable to come after the guy who came after the guy.

As far as the "aesthetic" — that likely has as much to do with the man coaching him in Las Vegas.

Smith may not have considered Seattle his favorite place, but he did sign five separate contracts with the Seahawks. The one constant was having Carroll at the helm.

According to the ESPN story, Geno always felt Pete believed in him, even when he was a backup. Might that just be the kind of thing he'd say to a reporter because Carroll is his coach again? Possibly, but it didn't seem contrived.

Now, what's almost certain is the Smith would have remained with the Seahawks if they paid him his asking price with one year left on his previous deal. It just sounded as if Geno wanted a salary on par with the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league.

So with Carroll gone and Seattle unwilling to fork over that kind of dough, Smith declined an extension offer. There don't seem to be hard feelings.

"You guys have on record on how we feel about Geno (Smith). You know how I feel about him," Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said. "We love him. I’m happy he’s in a great spot, we all know the history behind it, we love Geno.”

Added Seattle defensive tackle Leonard Williams, when asked about Geno not feeling like he fit in with the Seahawks.

From my understanding, I thought he loved Pete Carroll and loved playing with him and the team here and stuff like that. He's had success with playing with Pete Carroll. So, yeah, that's all I really know about it.”

What this comes down to is Seahawks general manager John Schneider not thinking Smith, who will be 35 in less than a month, was worth a $40 million-a-year extension. Current Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold, whose three-year, $100.5 million is still substantial, came at a cheaper price. The bet is that the extra salary-cap space will more than offset the value Geno would have brought behind center — but there isn't animosity.

Smith isn't going to have his jersey retired at Lumen Field or squeeze his way into the Ring of Honor. But it's unlikely that fans see him as a two-face who was unappreciative of his time as a Seahawk.

Forever beloved in this town? That might be a bit strong. Forever respected? That sounds about right.

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