Ian Rapoport: Alex Smith Believes He’s A True Franchise Quarterback
By Ben Nielsen
Andy Dalton signed a six-year, $115 million extension with the Cincinnati Bengals this afternoon, which prompted speculation an Alex Smith deal could be on the horizon. If Ian Rapoport is right, however, it would be wise to not hold your breath on something getting done soon.
.@RapSheet believes Alex Smith is probably further away from a deal following Dalton's contract. Smith believes he's a true franchise QB.
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) August 4, 2014
It is not a stunning revelation that Smith thinks he is a franchise quarterback. We discussed earlier today on Twitter that Smith’s numbers over the last three seasons are much better than some would have you think. And when you consider what Smith did at the end of last season once the offense started getting used to Andy Reid’s system, it is not hard to imagine why Smith thinks he should be paid premium dollars to stay in Kansas City.
Here are a few Smith numbers to consider when it comes to contract negotiations.
2013 Smith First 9 Games
— Arrowhead Addict (@ArrowheadAddict) August 4, 2014
59.68%, 9 TD, 4 INT, 81.4 QB Rate
Last 6 Gms
62.18%, 14 TD, 3 INT, 101.7
Playoff Game
65.22%, 4 TD, 0 INT, 119.7
I understand the QB rating stat is flawed but FWIW Alex Smith had a QB rating over 106 in 4 of his last 6 games (including playoffs).
— Arrowhead Addict (@ArrowheadAddict) August 4, 2014
In three career playoff starts, Alex Smith has a 108.6 QB rating, 9 touchdowns, and ZERO interceptions in 114 attempts.
— Arrowhead Addict (@ArrowheadAddict) August 4, 2014
Smith has a 92.5 total QB rating since 2011
— Arrowhead Addict (@ArrowheadAddict) August 4, 2014
Others:
Stafford 86.9
Newton 86.9
Dalton 85.7
Cutler 85.1
E. Manning 83.3
Luck 81.5
Flacco 80.2
@ArrowheadAddict more stats: Smith averaged 2 throws of 20+ yards per game prior to bye (dead last). After bye, averaged 3.86 per game.
— Seth Keysor (@RealMNchiefsfan) August 4, 2014
Does this mean Smith should be paid like Aaron Rodgers? No, but Smith has a far better argument for signing a $115 million contract than Andy Dalton does at this stage of his career. But it does seem at this stage the Chiefs and Smith are still a ways away from getting a deal done.