It’s time the Kansas City Chiefs drafted another quarterback

Before you mention Russell Wilson, drafted in third round, I want you to consider the gap between the selections of Brady and Wilson. Twelve years separated those two prospects. You’re welcome to dig up the name of any comparable prospect between that tandem, but I suspect that will be a shortlist of names. That effectively proves my point. The two of them are NFL super rarities and, therefore, don’t serve as a legitimate objection to drafting a quarterback high.

There are other, less obvious benefits to drafting a quarterback early. It sends a message to players that you’re serious about winning. That’s relevant to players on the roster with expiring contracts and those the organization might be courting in free agency.

The size of the offer isn’t the only variable in play when it comes to a player’s decision to either stay or defect for a new city. The team’s viability as a bona fide contender is another consideration. Think something like that matters to a player like Eric Berry? Were the Chiefs a less viable franchise, think they’d have a legitimate shot at bringing him back in 2017?

I’ve said this before and it bears repeating: Alex Smith will be your starting quarterback next season — and he should be. The plan is to create a respectable succession plan for him once the 2017 season is over. They’ll at least have the option if they’ve made a real investment and properly prepared his replacement. it would extend the window of opportunity for an otherwise young football team.

It would also buy the administration additional time to finally make a Super Bowl appearance. The way I see it, it’s a win-win situation for all parties involved, except maybe #11. Though, he’s acquitted himself as an above-average quarterback with a winning reputation in Kansas City and should therefore reap the benefits when he finally does depart for what’s likely to be his final NFL destination.