Report: Alex Smith expected to be released by the end of the week

Alex Smith will reportedly be released by the end of the week as the Washington Football Team gets back to work after a virtual February. This is a move that most people have had circled on their calendars since Smith suffered a devastating leg injury in 2018. Smith threw a wrench into that timeline when he made one of the most improbable recoveries in NFL history, and actually returned to not only play last season, but start for Washington. Smith went 5-1 as a starter, and won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award.

That feel good story is over now as the reality of the NFL hits everyone in the league this month. Washington will save $14.7 million against this year’s cap, and it looks like they are ready to move on from the QB they traded a 3rd round pick and CB Kendall for 3 years ago. Smith was reportedly debating retirement after his incredible comeback, but recent interviews had made it sound like he wasn’t ready to let go. He talked about how the team took the news that he was cleared last year, and his honesty caused many people to speculate that he knew his time in Washington was over.

Washington made a solid offer to acquire Lions QB Matthew Stafford last month, and also inquired about trading for Raiders backup QB Marcus Mariota. It has been clear they are looking for a new signal caller, but the only official move they have been able to make so far is re-signing Taylor Heinicke. Mariota could be a cap casualty soon in Las Vegas, and there will be other QBs hitting free agency when the league year begins on March 17th.