The Chiefs’ reality moving forward

Sep 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) throws during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

1. Alex Smith will be the starting quarterback in 2016

Smith is not going to be released. His cap hit for next year is $17 million. If Dorsey cut Smith, the number would actually increase to $24 million. Smith will not only be on the Kansas City come opening day next season, he will be under center.

Now, this does not mean that the Chiefs are hopeless at the position. Kansas City is likely going to have a very high draft picks come April. Dorsey should be looking to use a high pick on a quarterback, whether it is Jared Goff or Connor Cook. While both are projected to be top-10 selections at the moment, don’t expect either to go that high. It is much more likely that Dorsey takes a premiere left tackle in the first round and perhaps a quarterback in the second round.

It’s fine if the Chiefs want to go that route, but one of their first two picks needs to be a quarterback. If the above is incorrect, and a quarterback is projected to go really early, Kansas City must pull the proverbial trigger and take a quarterback. Let them sit behind Smith in 2016 and then release the veteran before 2017, when you save $9 million against the cap with that move.

Next: Looking at the offensive line