KC Chiefs: Alex Smith Contract Talks
Quarterback Alex Smith is entering the final year of his contract with the KC Chiefs. With that, it’s that lovely time of the year where we start speculating about what’s going to happen.
Smith signed with the Chiefs in February 2013 and led them to an 11-5 record this past season. He had the best season in his nine year career with over 3,300 passing yards, 23 touchdowns (to just seven interceptions), 431 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown.
Ian Rapoport has been keeping us up to date on the current contract talks (if there have been any).
If a #Chiefs/Alex Smith deal gets done, it’ll likely be before camp — not now. Team willing to franchise him for ’15 if talks stay stagnant
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 28, 2014
Now I don’t believe the Chiefs will let Smith go anytime soon. It’s been said that if a deal hasn’t been made by next year, the team will use the franchise tag on him in 2015. It’s the tweets about Smith asking for a large sum of money that is getting so much attention though.
Correct. $18M. RT @JasonPhilCole Back in January, I know Alex Smith wanted a deal above Jay Cutler (7 yr, $126M). Can't imagine it changed.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 28, 2014
So the question is, does Alex Smith deserve a heavy duty contract? He’s been in the league for nine years (this upcoming one will be his 10th season) and he didn’t start looking like a pro quarterback until the 2011 season, when he led the San Francisco 49ers to the NFC Championship game (ultimately losing to the Giants in overtime).
Smith is asking for a large sum of money and honestly it’s going to put the Chiefs in a difficult position (obviously). Teams will pay a lot for a franchise quarterback these days since it’s become clear that the NFL today is a quarterback-driven league. You don’t see too many teams achieving much without a decent guy under center handling the ball.
Key “problem” for #Chiefs/Smith: There is no 2nd-tier QB market. It’s franchise QB or… not. Why he’s pushing to be paid like a top-tier QB
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 28, 2014
Is Alex Smith Kansas City’s franchise quarterback? Should the team pay him franchise quarterback type money? There are certainly other teams in the league who need “top-tier quarterbacks” (the Texans come to mind immediately) and probably wouldn’t mind paying Smith his asking price.
Talked about Alex Smith negotiations on Total Access Tues: Sides still far apart with no progress. It’s why Chiefs debated drafting QB early
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 28, 2014
As Rapoport mentioned in the tweet above, there was speculation that the Chiefs were considering drafting Johnny Manziel or even Teddy Bridgewater in the first round.
Instead, the team picked up Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray in the fifth round. While that doesn’t necessarily mean anything for now, maybe Kansas City sees Murray as their future guy. If Smith sticks to his demands, Murray may get his chance sooner rather than later.
What do you think about signing Alex Smith to a large contract? Do you agree or disagree? Leave your comments below, follow us on Twitter, and Like us on Facebook!