What Does Alex Smith’s Pro Bowl Nod Mean for Looming Contract Extension

The Kansas City Chiefs have a Pro Bowl quarterback. Granted, Alex Smith got his nod because New England Patriots quarterback declined his invitation to the annual NFL all-star game after he led his team to a 16-26 loss in the AFC Championship game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, but he’s going to Honolulu with nine of his teammates nonetheless.

But, what does that mean for him going forward?

Throwing for 3,313 yards with 23 touchdowns and seven interceptions put Smith right in the middle of the pack for quarterbacks in the NFL this season at #17. In regards to passing yards, that’s one spot behind Superbowl-bound Seattle Seahawks signal caller Russell Wilson and two positions ahead of Smith’s replacement, San Francisco 49ers front-man Colin Kaepernick. Both of those guys were pretty high on the list of “elite quarterback” conversations this season.

In addition to putting up career-high numbers across the board for season totals, Smith also had the game of his career in that heartbreaking Wild Card loss to the Indianapolis Colts where he completed 30 of 46 passes for 378 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions.

The rumors have been flying since the Chiefs season ended with that game, that general manager John Dorsey may be looking to lock up Smith long term, as Smith only has one year remaining on his contract the team inherited when they acquired him from the 49ers during the 2013 off season.

Those rumors may be gaining ground as featured columnist B.J. Kissel from Bleacher Report tweeted out from the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama that Smith’s agent Tom Condon was sitting down to dinner with Dorsey.

There’s a lot more getting done at the Senior Bowl than just scouting potential draft picks. Granted, Condon and Dorsey could just be having a drink and getting something to eat together, but you’ve got to think with Smith having the tag “pro bowl” added to his resume, that Condon is pushing harder now for a new contract.

Smith is due $7.5 million this year, which is a significant cap hit. If Dorsey makes this deal, it will be interesting to see what he can do in order to make the hit a bit more “team friendly.” Either way, signing the Chiefs quarterback to a new deal seems to be a top priority for the Chiefs.

We’ll keep you updated as this story progresses.

Weigh in, Addicts. Do you think Smith’s Pro Bowl nod increases his value? Let us know what you’re thinking below!