Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera appeared non-committal to quarterback Alex Smith being on the roster in 2021. Rivera was asked about Smith’s future in Washington, Rivera gave a lukewarm answer.
“We’ll see how it goes, but right now we’re in a situation we’re look at all of our options,” Rivera said, per Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post.
While that can be perceived as not tipping his hand. Rivera gave a much different assessment about one of Washington’s other quarterbacks, Kyle Allen.
Smith is certain to be Comeback Player of the Year for 2020. His inspiring comeback story is iconic and will be remembered well beyond 2020. He endured a catastrophic leg injury in 2018 that is well-documented. It threatened his career, leg, and life. After 17 surgeries, wearing a external fixiator for eight months, and endless rehab, he returned to the field this season.
While he produced a 5-1 record as a starter and was instrumental in Washington winning the NFC East division title, there were visible reminders of how devastating his injury was. His lack mobility was clear even before a bone bruise in his injured leg slowed him down the stretch.
He may have been Washington’s best signal-caller this season, but he struggled also. In six starts he had five touchdowns and five interceptions. He also had an underwhelming 34.8 QBR. Not to mention he will be 37 years old at the start of the 2021 season.
What complicates matters more is Smith will carry a $23.3 million cap hit next season. However, Washington can save as much as $19 million against the cap if it parts ways with Smith.
Washington is definitely exploring all their options at quarterback. But at the top of their list of options is upgrading the position. They went after Matthew Stafford and are expected to be suitors for other formidable QBs.
