Alex Smith, K.C. Chiefs should keep long-term relationship in view

Alex Smith has come this far, so no one can blame him for looking for another chance to start. In fact, we’d encourage him to do so.

On Friday, the Washington Football team made it official that Smith was going to be released, giving him the freedom to sign with a new team in the hopes of furthering his 16-year career as a starting quarterback in the NFL. On the other side of multiple trades, concussions, leadership changes, and injuries—including a career-threatening leg break—Smith has already overcome so much in his career. No one should bet against him earning another chance to compete for a starting role at the age of 37 (which he will be in May).

However, in the instance that Smith is unable to drum up interest from a team this offseason for a real opportunity to start, the veteran should keep his former employer in mind for a job opening. It’s the perfect move for both Smith and the K.C. Chiefs.

This is going to be a frustrating offseason for Smith most likely unless some NFL franchise is more excited about his prospects going forward than expected. That’s because there are a lot of quarterback options these days for teams who are looking for some help. That’s not to say that there are great options for teams out there, but they are options all the same, and many of them lack the age and injury concerns that cloud Smith’s future stock.

Alex Smith and the Chiefs should keep focused on their long-term relationship.

With plenty of trade winds already blowing in the quarterback market (e.g. Matt Stafford and Carson Wentz) and more in the forecast (e.g. Russell Wilson), some teams are already finding their answers at the position in the offseason’s early going. Add in a handful of likely first-round prospects in the draft and a myriad of other veterans to check in on—from Ryan Fitzpatrick to Marcus Mariota to Jameis Winston to even Sam Darnold—Smith has plenty of competition as he tries to convince teams of his merits as a starting option going into another training camp.

In all likelihood, Smith is going to have to be patient to see which team(s) is left wanting by the time the dust settles on the bulk of player acquisitions this spring or summer. If there’s someone there, then that’s great. However, if Smith finds himself without a dance partner, it would be the ideal time to strike up conversations with the Chiefs about their long-term relationship.

The Chiefs are set, as of now, at the quarterback spot with Patrick Mahomes under contract for the next 50 seasons and Chad Henne back for a very affordable final season as a backup. For the next year, it’s an ideal set-up and the Chiefs also have a savvy vet they can call in Matt Moore as well as a developmental arm or two already on the roster (we’re looking at you, Jordan Ta’amu and Anthony Gordon). But Smith is a special person and player in Chiefs Kingdom and a potential reunion would be all about the long-term effects anyway.

Smith was the quarterback under center when the franchise turned the corner to the present level of success they’ve enjoyed under Andy Reid. John Dorsey swapped two second round picks in return for Smith’s services from the 49ers, and he went on to have a 50-26 record as a starter in K.C. with 10 touchdown passes against only 33 interceptions and a passer rating of 94.8 in 76 starts for the Chiefs.

Beyond his on-field production, Smith was a model citizen in Kansas City. He was a strong civic leader who was devoted to local causes and was a team leader respected by everyone. His leadership and selfless nature allowed the team to enjoy a drama-free transition to new starter Patrick Mahomes, and even as he moved on to Washington, Chiefs Kingdom still rooted for Smith to do well in his new environs.

While Smith has played for a few franchises in his long NFL career, he’s beloved by one fan base more than any other. For this reason, the idea of bringing Smith back into the fold to play out his final season(s) is a gesture worth making. Yes it would take up an extra roster spot (unless the team released Henne to do so), but there’s more at stake here, too, than just adding a backup for a season or more.

Smith has always been applauded for his intelligence and leadership, and it stands to reason that, if he were interested, he would make an excellent coach in the future. Imagine Smith playing out the rest of his career in K.C. only to then join Andy Reid’s staff in the future as an offensive assistant. Smith could maintain his strong presence in K.C., and the Chiefs could benefit from Smith growing into a new chapter of his professional career. Of course, Smith might have zero interest in coaching or even ending his career any time soon, but we’re focused on the long-term view as it is. Like we said, Smith should pursue all avenues to remain a starting quarterback for as long as he’s interested.

For the Chiefs and Alex Smith both, an eventual reunion has plenty of benefits for both sides since the relationship there is already so strong. Even if things aren’t going to work for any short-term transaction, it would make such a heartening story to see both parties find a way to work together again.