Chiefs: Does bringing back Alex Smith make sense?

Should the Chiefs bring former quarterback Alex Smith back to Kansas City? The idea sounds great, but doubts about the comeback QB make it more uncertain.

As soon as the Washington Football Team released Alex Smith, speculation over a potential return to Kansas City emerged.

Smith spent five successful years with the Chiefs, earning three Pro-Bowl nods while throwing for 17,608 yards. He ingratiated himself to the city and would be welcomed back with open arms as a backup for Patrick Mahomes.

Not to pour cold water on that idea, but it’s a move born from sentiment more than sense.

The Chiefs shouldn’t go out of their way to get Alex Smith

Remember, Smith is still coming back from a gruesome injury. While his return was inspirational, he’s far removed from the quarterback who achieved Pro Bowl recognition in Kansas City. He has played just 18 games in the three years since leaving the Chiefs and missed multiple games following his comeback because of a bone bruise.

The risk of depending on him as Mahomes backup has to be part of the calculation.

We’re talking about a 37-year-old quarterback coming off a serious injury. Would he be enough of an upgrade on Chad Henne to justify the move? The current backup has another year on his deal, and the Chiefs would save just $1,250,000 by cutting the veteran. Would it be wise to drop Henne’s affordability for Smith’s potential?

Smith is certainly a better quarterback than Henne. However, he’s not a game-changer at this point. He threw more interceptions than touchdowns in eight games with Washington in 2020.

Kansas City doesn’t need to make the move.

If Smith is willing to accept a very team-friendly deal to come to Kansas City, then by all means, the Chiefs should jump on that opportunity. Will he do that? There are other teams out there with unsettled QB spots where Smith could get paid better money and compete for a starting job.