K.C. sends QB Smith to Washington

Kansas City has agreed to trade quarterback Alex Smith to Washington, a move that spells the end of Kirk Cousins’ time in D.C. and hands the Chiefs’ job to Patrick Mahomes.

Two people with direct knowledge of the deal confirmed the move to the Associated Press on Tuesday night on condition of anonymity because the transaction can’t be completed until the start of the new league year in March. One person told the AP that Washington had agreed to a four-year extension with Smith, who has one year left on his contract.

Smith, 33, spent the past five seasons with the Chiefs, leading them to the playoffs four times while throwing 102 touchdown passes and 33 interceptions. He has played 12 NFL seasons with the 49ers and Chiefs.

Smith becomes Washington’s quarterback, with a $17 million salary-cap hit for 2018.

Kansas City saves cap space and can turn to Mahomes, the 10th pick in last year’s draft from Texas Tech, as its new starter.

Washington had balked at signing Cousins to the type of long-term deal to which it reportedly will give Smith. Cousins, 29, was the first QB to play back-to-back seasons on the franchise tag, and he can become a free agent next month.

“Nothing really surprises me anymore,” Washington tight end Niles Paul tweeted . Former Washington QB Robert Griffin III tweeted, “Some how... Some way... they will blame this on me. No doubt.” Briefly: Jacksonville QB Blake Bortles had surgery on his right wrist last week to fix a problem that kept him on the injury report all season . ... The Panthers say two-time All-Pro center Ryan Kalil plans to retire after the 2018 season . ... A source said the Bills have fired defensive backs coach Gill Byrd, a San Jose State alum . ... The Titans hired Dean Pees as defensive coordinator and Matt LaFleur as offensive coordinator. LaFleur had interviewed for Tennessee’s head-coaching job.