Mort: Chiefs Might Explore Nick Foles, Geno Smith Before Alex Smith
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
According to ESPN’s Chris Moretnson, the Kansas City Chiefs may not be as interested in pursuing San Francisco 49ers QB Alex Smith as some have originally though.
Appearing on NFA Live Wednesday, Mort said the trade market for Smith is not as robust as some might think.
From Roto World:
"Specifically, Smith going to the Browns is a “long shot,” per Mortensen. The Jets can’t afford his contract, the Cardinals are the 49ers’ division opponent, and the Chiefs might explore Nick Foles or Geno Smith first. Anyone who’s kept tabs on Smith the past two years won’t be surprised. Smith was available in 2012 free agency, and only the 49ers and Dolphins showed much interest in him — both after missing out on other quarterbacks. Smith’s physical skill set is just borderline starting-caliber, and he was benched this past season. The 49ers won’t get more than a mid- to late-round pick on the trade market."
This would make sense for the Chiefs. Kansas City would likely have to trade for Alex Smith, giving up picks for a QB they may only want to keep the position warm for their QB of the future. If a placeholder is what the Chiefs are looking for, they can probably get one a lot cheaper in Foles.
As for Geno Smith, if the Chiefs feel he is the guy that can be their QB of the future, they likely won’t bother giving anything up for a guy like Alex Smith.
Some combination of Foles and Geno Smith might work for the Chiefs as well. This way they would be doubling down on two young QBs. They could then pursue a cheaper veteran option in free agency.
I’ve said from the beginning that I think the 49ers could have a tough time trading Smith. Teams around the league know that San Fran will likely have to release Smith if they can’t move him. That would mean Smith would be fair game for anyone to sign, without giving up draft pick compensation.
If the Chiefs feel there are other viable options to Alex Smith available, it would be int heir best interest to let the his situation in San Francisco play out.