Alex Smith is “pumped at the opportunity” to join Washington Redskins
By Matt Conner
Former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith says he is “pumped for the opportunity” to play for the Washington Redskins.
It feels good to be wanted.
If you’re Kirk Cousins, it’s (part of) the reason you want out from Washington to enter the free agent market, because the team, for reasons unbeknownst to anyone outside of the Redskins front office, never wanted to hitch their long-term wagons to the now free agent quarterback.
If you’re Alex Smith, it’s clearly part of the reason you are excited to play for that same Washington team, who was ready to enter into a long-term agreement with the former Kansas City Chiefs starting quarterback despite the new-ness of their relationship.
Throughout the last year, Smith has maintained that Kansas City is his home and that he loves the community, the fans, the stadium and the team. Yet he also admits that when he saw the writing on the wall—that his exit was clearly just a matter of when and not if—he was also excited to join a new team that was passionate about bringing him on board. In a radio interview with KNBR, Smith described his emotions about playing in the nation’s capital.
"“Once I found out that things in Kansas City were going in a different direction, I was pumped at the opportunity and when Washington came calling I was hopeful that was a possible destination and I’m just jacked that it worked out and that they wanted me because the feelings were mutual and I’m looking forward to it.”"
It helps Smith’s emotional state, of course, to have the ink still drying on a new four-year contract extension. That said, Smith is all-in wherever he is, as illustrated by his Walter Payton Man of the Year nomination in 2017, and the greater Washington community will grow to appreciate his demeanor, leadership and community engagement. They also hope to equally appreciate his contributions on the field as well.
Next: Our Patrick Mahomes interview
Smith set several career marks in 2017 including touchdowns (26), interceptions (5, tied for lowest ever), QB rating (104.7) and passing yards (4,042).