We’ve known about the holdup in the contract extension talks between Alex Smith and the Kansas City Chiefs since before the NFL Draft.
Now we know why.
The key “problem” is that Smith considered himself a franchise quarterback, and wants to be paid accordingly, NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport reported. Smith wants to be paid “like a top-tier quarterback,” and apparently, the Chiefs think differently.
Key “problem” for #Chiefs/Smith: There is no 2nd-tier QB market. It’s franchise QB or… not. Why he’s pushing to be paid like a top-tier QB
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 28, 2014
Smith, 30, threw for a career-high 3,313 yards and career-best 23 touchdowns in his first season in Kansas City in 2013.
Earlier in May, the team and Smith wanted to “table talks” until after the draft. According to the Kansas City Star, talks didn’t pick up and are considered “almost nonexistent” at this point.
I’m told that extension talks between the #Chiefs & Alex Smith have been “almost nonexistent” in recent months, per a league source.
— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) May 27, 2014
The National Football Post reported in January the Chiefs want to extend Smith before the start of the 2014 season. Smith sought a deal similar to that of Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, who earlier in the offseason inked a deal worth about $18 million annually.
Back in January, I know that #chiefs QB Alex Smith wanted a deal above Jay Cutler (7 yr, $126M). I can’t imagine that has changed.
— Jason Cole (@JasonPhilCole) May 28, 2014
Cutler, however, is younger and has been more productive in his career than Smith has been.
The Chiefs drafted Aaron Murray out of Georgia in the fifth round of the NFL Draft and also have Chase Daniel entrenched as the backup. The team needs Smith, but probably won’t budge to meet his financial terms.
In an appearance on NFL Network’s “NFL AM,” head coach Andy Reid expressed confidence in a deal getting done.
“I’ve always believed that if there’s open communication, then normally good things happen.” Reid said. “So, I’m sure something will get done. I can’t put a time frame on that, but I’m sure something will get done.”
Reid’s statement about open communications conflicts with the reports, so this saga is something to keep an eye on as OTAs and mini-camps begin to pop up.
