NFL trades cannot be made official until the start of the new league year, but we’ve already got a blockbuster agreement. Washington has agreed to a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs to acquire Alex Smith, according to beat writer Terez Paylor. Smith has agreed to terms on a four-year contract extension, according to Adam Schefter, who is also reporting the deal includes a second round pick, “and possibly more.”
This is a huge domino to fall. This means the Pat Mahomes era will begin in full force this fall in Kansas City. More importantly, this means Washington will let Kirk Cousins walk in free agency. They would get a third round comp pick in the 2019 NFL Draft with Cousins’ departure.
Cousins has been connected to the Denver Broncos, but he will be free and clear to sign anywhere. This will mean a huge contract. Cousins has had plenty of ups and downs through his career, but he’s put up the kind of numbers that will make him one of the highest paid quarterbacks in the NFL when free agency starts. It’s all about timing.
The 49ers face the Chiefs this fall at Arrowhead Stadium. Instead of facing Alex Smith once again, they will face Pat Mahomes. The big armed now second year quarterback will be intriguing to watch with the full support of the Chiefs behind him.