The Kansas City Chiefs inked an extension with quarterback Alex Smith. The efficient game manager, whose contract expires at the end of this season, signed a four-year deal worth $68 million dollars. The deal guarantees $45 million, so Smith figures to be in Kansas City for the foreseeable future.
The first pick in the 2005 draft passed for 3,313 yards and 23 touchdowns in a 2013, good for a Pro Bowl appearance. He led the Chiefs to their first postseason play since 2010 last season. Though Kansas City fell to Indianapolis, Smith set franchise playoff records for completions, yards, touchdown passes, and other categories.
The Chiefs haven’t won a playoff game in more than two decades.
The signing ends years of uncertainty for Smith, who never really earned the designation “franchise quarterback” from fans until coming to Kansas City. And even then, the contract came after a draft in which his team contemplated selecting a passer. Clearly, the Chiefs see Smith as their quarterback for the next few seasons at least.
“It was a priority of ours to get this deal done and keep Alex in a Chiefs uniform long-term,” Chiefs General Manager John Dorsey explained in a statement. “Alex is a proven leader on and off the field. He is a special individual with a lot of ability, and we are fortunate to have him here.”