Alex Smith is locked up for another four years (photo/NFL)
The Kansas City Chiefs have signed Alex Smith to a four-year contract worth about $68 million according to several media outlets. Smith threw for a career-best 3,313 yards and 23 touchdowns last year in his first season as the Chiefs’ starter. Getting a contract done was something hanging over training camp and Smith constantly deflected questions about the situation.
“It was a priority of ours to get this deal done and keep Alex in a Chiefs uniform long-term,” Kansas City general manager John Dorsey said in a statement. “Alex is a proven leader on and off the field. He is a special individual with a lot of ability, and we are fortunate to have him here.”
The 30 year old Smith had one year left on a contract that was set to pay him $7.5 million this season.
Smith showed the maturity to lead this team last season and needed a fresh start away from San Francisco, where the Chiefs sent two second-round draft picks in 2013 and 2014. Smith has one year remaining on his current deal, so the extension keeps him in Kansas City through 2018.