Alex Smith signs 4-year, $68 million contract extension with Chiefs
Alex Smith is locked in as the Chiefs’ starting quarterback for the foreseeable future, on a contract that will earn him $45 million in guarantees.
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Alex Smith and the Kansas City Chiefs have finally agreed to a contract extension, according to Terez Paylor of the Kansas City Star. Smith was set to become a free agent after the 2014 season. At four years, $68 million, Smith could be the Chiefs' starting quarterback through the 2018 season.
As Arrowhead Pride notes, it’s unclear whether the deal will begin with the upcoming season, or after his current three-year, $27.78 million contract has finished up. Either way, he is due to make substantially more money. The deal averages out to $17 million per season, and includes $45 million in guarantees. According to Pro Football Talk, Smith will receive $30 million at signing and an injury-protected $15 million in March 2015.
Smith was relatively unassuming as a starter in Kansas City last season, passing for 3,313 yards and 23 touchdowns in a run-first offense. He was efficient under center, however, throwing just seven interceptions while completing 60.6 percent of his passes.
The Chiefs, historically, aren't used to stable quarterbacks. Smith may have had a big effect on the squad as a whole. His trade to the Chiefs from the San Francisco 49ers coincided with a turnaround season in Andy Reid's first year as head coach. After going 2-14 in 2012, the Chiefs went 11-5 in 2013, and went to the playoffs where they lost a thriller to the Indianapolis Colts.
According to Arrowhead Pride, the impact of Smith’s extension could reach beyond the offense:
This is a HUGE development for the Chiefs not just because of Alex Smith but because it also allows the Chiefs to use the franchise tag next year on Justin Houston, who has one year remaining on his contract. From what I understand, those talks are not going well and a deal is not expected any time soon.
Smith took an odd path to becoming a $17 million/year quarterback. He was the No. 1 overall pick by the 49ers in 2005, but looked like something of a bust through six years plagued by injuries and poor on-field performances. In 2011, however -- Jim Harbaugh’s first year as head coach -- he emerged as a steady signal caller, completing 61.3 percent of his passes and 17 touchdowns to five interceptions.
Smith was completing 70 percent of his passes and was on pace for a career season through 10 games in 2012, but the 49ers made a midseason decision to go with the younger, more dynamic Colin Kaepernick behind center. The decision proved fruitful, as the 49ers went on to a Super Bowl appearance, but it left Smith with a murky future until the offseason, when the Chiefs acquired him in a blockbuster trade.
See More:
