Alex Smith officially released by Washington Football Team

The Washington Football Team has officially released quarterback Alex Smith after three seasons with the team. The team clears $14.7 million in salary cap space and will carry $8.6 million in dead money. Washington announced the news Friday morning.

Smith joined Washington in a January 2018 trade from the Kansas City Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes had emerged as KC’s clear starter, making a trade fairly obvious. The Chiefs traded Smith to Washington for cornerback Kendall Fuller and a third round pick. Two months later, Smith signed a four-year, $94 million contract with Washington.

Smith appeared in 10 games his first season, completing 62.5 percent of his passes for 2,180 yards with ten touchdowns and five interceptions. However, he suffered a devastating leg injury on a J.J. Watt sack. He suffered a spiral and compound fracture, raising questions about his ability to walk and survive an infection, let alone play in a football game. However, he did return in 2020 after Kyle Allen suffered a pair of injuries. Smith appeared in eight games and claimed Comeback Player of the Year honors.