QB Alex Smith Rumored to Kansas City
Could be Good Stop-gap for Chiefs
So the world is abuzz about the rumored trade of San Francisco 49ers QB Alex Smith to the Kansas City Chiefs? Who would have thought that Alex Smith would create such news?
It's hard to believe that the Chiefs really think Smith is the savior at the position. But apparently, if recent reports are accurate, the Chiefs will trade for Smith very soon after the NFL trading period opens March 12th.
Don't misunderstand me; Smith would represent a huge upgrade over what the Chiefs have endured the last 2 years with Matt Cassel. But realistically, Smith is no more than a 2-4 year stop-gap solution while new Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid finds a higher upside long term answer at the position.
Smith could be a good fit for Reid's "west coast" style of offense. In essence, Smith is very much like a guy Reid drafted in Philadelphia back in 2007 named Kevin Kolb. Like Kolb, Smith lacks the big time arm strength for a vertical passing attack, but could do very well in a quick read and react style like Reid's. If the Chiefs can come to an agreement with free agent WR Dwayne Bowe, there would be a proven #1 WR for Smith to throw to, and the Chiefs would just need Jonathan Baldwin and TE Tony Moeaki to take their game's to the next level to give Smith a good amount of weapons to throw to.
A player who would likely benefit from Smith's presence in Kansas City would be RB Jamaal Charles. Charles is very underrated as a pass catching RB and is similar in size to both current Eagles RB LeSean McCoy, and former Eagles RB Brian Westbrook (both of whom have proven to be excellent receiving RB's). Charles in open space as a safety valve for Smith would be a dangerous weapon for the Chiefs offense.
Now, there's no sure thing about this happening between the two sides. While I'm sure parameters of a trade between the 49ers and Chiefs were discussed during the NFL's scouting combine, no actual deal can take place until the league's 2013 season officially begins March 12th. And between now and then, any discussed deal that appears to be ready to happen could fall apart.
But Smith in Kansas City would make a lot of sense and be a good fit.