This Mr. Smith opts not to go to Washington

Comeback quarterback now free agent after `honest and real' talk with coach

The Washington Football Team officially released Comeback Player of the Year Alex Smith on Friday, making the quarterback a free agent and saving the club nearly US$15 million against the salary cap.

Smith turns 37 in May and had two years left on his contract, with cap charges of $23.3 million and $25.3 million.

He returned from multiple leg surgeries and a life-threatening infection to help Washington win the NFC East title, which he began as the team's third-string QB.

Washington turned to Kyle Allen after Dwayne Haskins was ineffective (and later released), and Smith took over after Allen suffered a season-ending injury in Week 9.

Smith played in eight regular-season games, starting six, and completed 168 of 252 passes (66.7 per cent) for 1,582 yards and six touchdowns. He was unable to play in Washington's wild-card loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers because of a calf injury.

Smith requested his release, according to a statement by Washington head coach Ron Rivera.

“We had a very honest and real discussion. We had the chance to reflect on the 2020 season and talk about moving forward into next year. At the conclusion of that meeting, we decided that it would be best for both parties to move on and we will be granting Alex his request” Rivera said.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft by San Francisco, Smith is 99-67-1 as a starter and has passed for 35,650 yards and 199 touchdowns in 174 games with the 49ers (2005-12), Kansas City Chiefs (2014-17) and Washington.

Washington recently extended quarterback Taylor Heinicke to a two-year deal. Allen is expected to re-sign as an exclusive-rights free agent.