The news is coming fast and furious Tuesday night. Fresh off reports indicating that the Kansas City Chiefs have traded Pro Bowl quarterback Alex Smith to the Washington Redskins, it looks like the veteran’s new team is locking him up long term.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Smith and the Redskins have come to terms on a four-year contract extension.
QB Alex Smith and Washington now have reached an agreement on a new four-year contract extension, per sources. Smith, who had one year left on his contact, tied to Washington for next five seasons. Smith gets long-term deal from Washington that Cousins could not.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 31, 2018
This clearly means that Kirk Cousins’ days with the Redskins are over. It’s also an indication that Washington plans on Smith being their future at the quarterback position. Whether that means the team avoids quarterback early in the 2018 NFL Draft remains to be seen.
Smith, 33, had one year remaining on his contract and is set to count $17 million against the cap in 2018. Obviously, this extension will give him a raise from that number.
A three-time Pro Bowler, Smith is coming off the best season of his career. He posted a 67.5 completion percentage with 4,042 yards and 26 touchdowns compared to five interceptions en route to leading Kansas City to the AFC West title.