Alex Smith, who helped Washington reach playoffs, cut
Washington released AP Comeback Player of the Year Alex Smith on Friday, a move that 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 wildcard round loss. Coach Ron Rivera said he met with Smith this week, each side figured it was best to move on, and the organization granted Smith’s request to be released.
“I want to thank Alex for his contributions this past year,” Rivera said in a statement. “He made such an impact on our young roster, and his leadership was one of the key factors in our lateseason success and in making the playoffs for the first time since 2015.”
Smith made a triumphant return to NFL action last season, two years after breaking two bones in his right leg and requiring 17 surgeries to repair it. His battle against a life-threatening infection and long rehab process to get back on the field became a documentary and an inspirational tale whether he played again or not. And, of course, he did play again.
“To me, it was more about the attempt and the journey than the outcome,” Smith said Jan. 10. “If I had come up short trying to come back, I would have slept just fine at night knowing I tried. To me, it was more about that mindset of actually putting myself out there and attempting this.”
RAIDERS WILL RELEASE RICHIE INCOGNITO, BUT FOR HOW LONG? >> Richie Incognito, the veteran left guard who got a career re-start with the Raiders, will be released in advance of the start of the new league year. The question is whether he’ll get another re-start with the Raiders down the line.
Incognito’s pending release was first reported by NFL Media and confimred by a team source. The Raiders are reportedly also releasing starting right guard Gabe Jackson but have yet to confirm his departure or file the transaction with the NFL.
By releasing Incognito, the Raiders will clear another $5 million in salary from the books. It’s conceivable he can return once the dust settles during free agency and the draft.
FIRST BLACK FEMALE GAME OFFICIAL HIRED >> The NFL has hired Maia Chaka as the first Black female official in league history. She will work games during the 2021 season.
“I am honored to be selected as an NFL official,” Chaka said. “But this moment is bigger than a personal accomplishment. It is an accomplishment for all women, my community, and my culture.”
ALSO >> The Buffalo Bills signed safety Micah Hyde to a 2-year contract extension. A person with direct knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press that it averages close to $9.6 million a year . ... Prosecutors said that Denver Broncos star linebacker Von Miller won’t face criminal charges following an investigation by police in a Denver suburb.