We’re starting to get a better understanding of how the Alex Smith trade from Kansas City to Washington went down Tuesday evening. It goes without saying that there were a bevy of teams interested in Smith’s services. That list reportedly included both the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos.
Now comes this report indicating that the Broncos offered up Pro Bowl corner Aqib Talib and a second-round pick to Kansas City for Smith. Meanwhile, the Browns themselves offered multiple draft picks.
On @Browns_Daily right now @AllbrightNFL said that “Alex Smith chose Washington due to the long term deal that the Skins were offering.” Added Browns offered multiple picks but wanted him for short term deal and Denver offered a 2nd and Aqib Talib!
— Nathan Zegura (@NathanZegura) January 31, 2018
There’s a couple issue with this. First off, Kansas City likely wasn’t in any hurry to trade Smith to a division rival. By sending him over to the Redskins, the team avoids playing the Pro Bowler twice per season. Secondly, Kansas City acquired a high-upside and cheap young cornerback in Kendall Fuller in the trade. On the block since the end of the regular season, the 31-year-old Talib is set to count $12 million against the cap. In looking to unload Smith’s contract, the Chiefs weren’t willing to pick up that salary.
GM John Elway and Co. now go back to the drawing board in an attempt to find an upgrade under center. Soon-to-be former Redskins Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins could very well be in that conversation moving forward.