The Washington Football Team has officially released quarterback Alex Smith. The decision to part ways with Smith was expected for some time. However, a report earlier this week made his release a formality.
Washington head coach Ron Rivera met with Smith earlier this week to discuss his future. At the conclusion of the meeting, the team mutually agreed to grant Smith his request to be released, according to Rivera in a statement.
Smith will be account for a dead cap of $8.6 million. Yet, Washington will save $14.9 million against the salary cap with Smith’s release, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
After missing all of the 2019 season, Alex Smith made a triumphant return to the field following his horrific 2018 leg injury. With a bacterial infection added, life and leg were in jeopardy as well as his career.
He endured 17 surgeries for what was described as a “warlike” injury. Still he battled through a grueling recovery that included wearing a external fixiator for eight months. In 2020, he returned to the field, working his way up Washington’s quarterback depth chart, despite even hesitation from the team.
Smith threw for 1,582 yards six touchdowns and eight interceptions. He completed 66.7% of his passes but more importantly, compiled a 5-1 record as a starter to lift Washington to a NFC East division title and the playoffs. Smith was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year for his heroic return.
Still, there were signs the 35-year old Smith was coming off such a brutal injury. He missed two games down the stretch and Washington’s wild card round loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to what was later described as a bone bruise in his injured leg.
Now, Smith will get the opportunity to continue his football career elsewhere if he so chooses. Meanwhile, Washington moves on looking for a more suitable long-term answer at quarterback. The team is kicking over tires on multiple quarterbacks in both free agency and by trade.
