Washington releases QB Smith

Washington r el eased AP Come back Player of t he Year Alex Smith on Friday, a move t hat was expected but still provides a cold ending to the veteran quarterback's storybook tenure with the organization.

Smith's release clears just under $15 million in salary cap space for Washington, which is hoping to figure out its long-term QB situation and fill many holes in the aftermath of a 7-9 season, NFC East title and wild-card round loss.

Coach Ron Rivera said he met with Smith t his week, each side figured it was best to move on, and the organization granted Smith's request to be released.

BILLS: Buffalo signed veteran safety Micah Hyde to a two-year contract extension on Friday. The 30-year- old Hyde had one season remaining on a five-year contract he signed upon joining the Bills in free agency in 2017, andi snow locked up through 2023. He is entering his ninth NFL season after spending his first four with the Green Bay Packers.

BRONCOS: Prosecutors said Friday that Broncos star linebacker Von Miller won't face criminal charges following an investigation by police in a Denver suburb. Police confirmed their investigation in January but did not provide details about what they were looking into.

ETC.: The NFL has hired Maia Chaka as the first Black female official in league history. She will work games during the 2021 season. Chaka enters the NFL after working in the Pac- 12 and Conference USA.