2. The Alex Smith trade
Chiefs receive: CB Kendall Fuller, a 2018 third-round pick
Washington receives: QB Alex Smith
Ah yes, the “changing of the guard” trade. No matter where he went or the return for him, trading away quarterback Alex Smith was a welcome move for Kansas City.
Smith was a savior for the Chiefs franchise after he and head coach Andy Reid quickly turned around the team in 2013. His demeanor and dependable on-field performance made him likable for fans, but there was clearly a ceiling for the Chiefs with Smith at the helm. The team traded up for gunslinging quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the 2017 NFL Draft, and the writing was on the wall for Smith’s tenure in Kansas City. The final nails in the coffin for Smith’s stint in K.C. came with Mahomes having a stellar performance in Week 17 and the Chiefs’ subsequent collapse in the AFC Wild Card game.
Smith had a great 2017 performance with 4,024 passing yards, 26 passing touchdowns, and a league-best 104.7 QB rating. However, his 1-4 record in the postseason was unbearable for Chiefs fans. Mahomes offered hope and a higher ceiling, so Veach gave Mahomes the keys to the kingdom and found a new home for Smith.
Washington sent cornerback Kendal Fuller and a 2018 third-round pick back to Kansas City in a perceived win-win move for both franchises. Fuller was solid in Kansas City, playing in 26 games over two seasons. He had the Super Bowl-sealing interception against the 49ers, amongst other clutch moments.
Unfortunately, Smith’s time in Washington was famously hampered by a very serious leg injury. He fought to save his leg and even made a return to the gridiron, but Smith was never the same quarterback and has since retired.
This was a necessary move and one that propelled the Chiefs to new competitive heights. It was also a solid return for Smith while giving both teams a good feeling entering the 2018 season.