It feels as though Tom Brady’s free agency decision has been the topic of discussion for years. But, in reality, the Patriots were only eliminated from the playoffs two months ago, and there’s still another week until the new league year begins. The same names for a potential Brady replacement have been recycled over and over again. Teddy Bridgewater, Andy Dalton, Marcus Mariota and Jarrett Stidham are the hottest names for New England. However, there may be an intriguing option that hasn’t been discussed: Redskins quarterback Alex Smith.
On the 33-year anniversary of Joe Theismann’s horrific leg injury that ended his career, the Redskins saw another franchise quarterback suffer a season-ending injury.
It’s been 478 days since Smith suffered multiple fractures to his right leg that almost cost the quarterback his limb and his life. However, he’s been working back and getting stronger every day. The road to recovery hasn’t been an easy one, but it’s one that Smith hopes will pay dividends.
If the 35-year-old quarterback makes his return and is any semblance of the guy he was before, he can make a team just as competitive as guys like Mariota and Dalton. Smith never had a huge arm, but he was a smart quarterback that has kept his team in games by reducing turnovers. Someone who doesn’t turn the ball over seems like a perfect option for Bill Belichick.
If he can regain most of his movement that can add a little more to the offense. During his years with Kansas City (2013-2017), Smith recorded the fourth-most rushing yards by quarterbacks behind only Cam Newton, Russell Wilson, and Colin Kaepernick. Even if Smith was in the middle-of-the-pack in terms of rushing, that would be a step up in the mobility department from Brady.
Why would Washington want to get rid of him?
The Redskins are stuck in the second full year of their salary cap nightmare at quarterback. In 2019, Smith counted $20.4 million against the cap even though he never stepped foot on the field. This year, he’ll account for $24.4 million, and if all goes well with sophomore Dwayne Haskins, he won’t see action again.
It’s unlikely that the Redskins cut Smith because the dead money will accelerate to 2020, making him count for a whopping $32.2 million this year. If they were to trade him, however, they’d save $5.2 million this year, and they’d only have to pay the accelerated bonuses totaling $16.2 million, according to OTC.
What would New England have to give up?
No more than a mid-round pick or a player they were planning on moving on from anyway.
Trading for Smith would be a risk, and he would still cost a fair amount ($16 million) for any team acquiring him. It’s likely that the Redskins would have to include a pick or another player in the deal to get someone to bite.
Yes, it’s still unclear whether or not Smith will even play football again. However, if names like Dalton and Mariota are being thrown around to be a bridge guy, Smith’s name should be mentioned as well.
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