6 Landing spots for Alex Smith in 2021 NFL free agency
NFL Comeback Player of the Year Alex Smith is reportedly set to be released soon but which teams could sign the quarterback in 2021 free agency?
Simply by making back onto the field in the 2020 season, Alex Smith earned NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors. However, it’s worth noting that the veteran quarterback actually played well for the Washington Football Team. Despite that, however, it doesn’t appear that Smith is going to be staying long in the nation’s capital.
On Monday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Kim Jones reported that the Football Team plans to release Alex Smith soon and the former No. 1 overall pick will hit NFL free agency for the first time in his career. Washington, meanwhile, will look for options to solidify their future at quarterback via trade, free agency or the 2021 NFL Draft.
As for Smith, though, there should be a market for the veteran, even in the wake of his injury after he showed he can still play. With that in mind, these six teams would be great landing spots for Alex Smith in 2021 NFL free agency once he’s released.
Alex Smith 2021 free agency landing spot No. 6: Philadelphia Eagles
After trading away Carson Wentz, it seems as if the Eagles’ most likely option at quarterback for the 2021 campaign is to hand the keys to second-year man Jalen Hurts. But the franchise has expressed a desire to bring in competition for Hurts and Smith would be perfect.
To be clear, Hurts is the best option for the Eagles overall to start the 2021 season. Philadelphia, however, knows the value of a quality veteran backup and Smith could be that for them. Depending on the contract, he could be a valuable insurance policy.
Alex Smith 2021 free agency landing spot No. 5: San Francisco 49ers
This would undoubtedly be a stunner if Smith were to rejoin the team that drafted him into the league given how unceremoniously their relationship was severed. Having said that, Smith would make a ton of sense for the 49ers in their current situation.
San Francisco has clearly been interested in trying to improve the quarterback room, even if they don’t replace Jimmy Garoppolo. They could use a quality backup if Jimmy G were to succumb to injury once again. Smith has the tools to be that and keep the Niners afloat if he’s called upon.
Alex Smith 2021 free agency landing spot No. 4: New England Patriots
As of right now, the New England Patriots don’t appear to have a confident plan as to what they’re doing at quarterback in the 2021 season. They aren’t in prime position to draft one, the free agency class is limited, they don’t necessarily have trade assets and Jarrett Stidham is the best quarterback on the roster.
That’s not going to cut it and, if the Pats want to compete this year, they need a steady presence under center. Smith proved he might be able to deliver exactly that and could be an option for New England.
Alex Smith 2021 free agency landing spot No. 3: Jacksonville Jaguars
Barring something truly unforeseen, the Jacksonville Jaguars are going to select Trevor Lawrence with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. That will likely lead to the team trading away Gardner Minshew to maximize value there.
That, however, will leave Lawrence in need of a veteran mentor in Jacksonville. Smith would be the perfect player to fill that void. There’s nothing in this league that he hasn’t seen before and can help guide the generational Clemson product along. It’s a perfect match, especially since Smith would be able to step in and compete should anything happen to Lawrence.
Alex Smith 2021 free agency landing spot No. 2: Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis pushed their chips into the middle of the table this offseason as they traded for Wentz to reunite the quarterback with Frank Reich. Though they didn’t pay that hefty of a price, the belief is, if anyone can fix Wentz, it’s his former offensive coordinator.
But if Wentz is now damaged goods that can’t be salvaged, then the Colts need another option now that Jacoby Brissett is hitting free agency. Smith would make a ton of sense then. The Colts are a roster built to compete right now and they could do so with a veteran of his caliber under center if the Wentz project flames out quickly.
Alex Smith 2021 free agency landing spot No. 1: Chicago Bears
If a quarterback has been made even remotely available in the 2021 offseason, you better believe that the Chicago Bears have been linked to it. As they prepare to move on from Mitchell Trubisky, they need to find some option.
dark. Next. Full 3-round 2021 NFL mock draft
While a long-term answer would be best, landing a stopgap veteran like Alex Smith could help. This roster is another that’s built to be a winner right now and stability at quarterback is key for that happening. Smith offers that and, if the Bears strike out, they should seriously consider bringing Smith to the Windy City.