As the Washington Football Team continues restructuring their front office layout, fan-favorite team executive Kyle Smith may be on his way out. According to Chris Russell of SI.com, Smith’s departure from Washington is “inevitable.”
Sources tell us that Smith, the sharp 36-year old rising personnel executive, will leave the WFT organization at a time still to be determined … but at the same time multiple sources believe Smith will land elsewhere sooner than later. The news of a Smith departure was described as ‘inevitable’ by one source on Thursday night.
Washington named former player and longtime NFL exec Martin Mayhew as General Manager. They also added former Carolina Panthers GM Marty Hurney as Executive Vice President of Personnel/ Football Operations. The two will report directly to head coach Ron Rivera.
According to the SI.com report, Smith has recently hired an agent to gauge what role he fits in across the NFL.
Washington has been the only franchise Smith has worked for during his front office career. He joined the team as a scout in 2011. He was promoted to Director of College Scouting in 2017 and then VP of Player Personnel in 2020 following the arrival of Rivera in January.
More importantly, Smith had his hand on Washington’s last three drafts, including running last year’s. The results garnered rave reviews with the selections of Chase Young, Antonio Gibson, Kamren Curl and Khaleke Hudson.
The 36-year old Smith also worked alongside Rivera on player evaluations and transactions. Yet, Rivera appeared to want someone with more experience in the GM role. Despite the endorsement from team fans, Rivera ultimately hired Mayhew and Hurney. Smith did not interview for either positions.
The pair has extensive front office experience. Mayhew has been in an NFL front office role since 2001, including GM with the Detroit Lions from 2008-2015. Hurney worked alongside Rivera in Carolina during his two lengthy stints as GM.
Most likely, Smith will have to venture to another organization if he is to ever become an NFL GM. He is one of the brighter young minds in the league. Thus, it won’t take long for him to land elsewhere as he seeks an advancement in his career.
