Chiefs QB Smith’s future hot topic as Mahomes debuts
KANSAS CITY, MO. » Alex Smith is spending this week helping to prepare Patrick Mahomes II to make his NFL debut, since the Kansas City Chiefs have already locked up the AFC West title and have nothing to gain from beating the Broncos on Sunday.
The awkward part? Smith also might be preparing Mahomes to replace him.
The Chiefs traded up to snag Mahomes with the 10th overall pick in this year’s draft, the first time the franchise had used a first-round pick on a quarterback in more than three decades.
And with that kind of investment, the assumption has been Mahomes would spend a season learning the craft under a consummate pro such as Smith, then jump into the starting role next season.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid would never acknowledge such a succession plan, of course. But with Smith’s contract becoming prohibitive next season and the franchise in salary cap purgatory, it makes sense for the franchise to trade or release the veteran in favor of the future.
To his credit, Smith has continued to put the team first during his week off.
“I think being there and being a good teammate, being there to help him if I do see something,” he said, when asked what he’s doing to help Mahomes along.
“It’s a good opportunity for him, a unique type though with the scenario we are in. Obviously, at the same time, staying sharp and staying ready.”
That’s because Smith will be back under center the following week, when the Chiefs (9-6) begin the playoffs for the fourth time in his five seasons leading the franchise.
“I think at this point it’s a good thing to get health. Not every team gets something like this, an extra week to get healthy heading into the playoffs,” Smith said.
“Certainly I think there is a challenge — you are getting a week off and how do you handle it? There is an element there of that.”
Smith certainly wants to stay sharp after his most productive season. He’ll end up throwing for 4,042 yards in just 15 games, more than 500 yards better than his nextbest season.