Kansas City Chiefs

Alex Smith thinks the Chiefs are only committed to him ‘through this year'

Published May. 18, 2017 8:47 a.m. ET

Cameron DaSilva

The Kansas City Chiefs made a bold move in the draft by moving up from 27 to No. 10 to select their quarterback of the future, Patrick Mahomes. It cost the Chiefs a significant amount of capital, but when a team falls in love with a specific quarterback, no price is viewed as “too high.”

What made the decision particularly interesting is the fact that the Chiefs were already set at quarterback for a few more years thanks to Alex Smith – a savvy veteran who owns a 41-20 record in Kansas City. It’s clear the Chiefs aren’t sold on him being their franchise quarterback for much longer, and he’s well aware of that fact.

“I think [the Chiefs are] committed to me [only] through this year,'' Smith said, via ESPN. “That's just the nature of it. If you don't go out there and perform, I mean, coach [Andy] Reid and [quarterbacks coach Matt Nagy] are very honest. You've got to go out there and do your deal. We all have to.”

NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos

Mahomes has far better potential, and has the makings of a true franchise quarterback. Smith acknowledges that he has to play better, regardless of the fact that the Chiefs drafted his replacement.

“Whether or not we drafted Patrick, it doesn't change that, right?” Smith said. “If you're not good enough and didn't get it done, you're not going to be around long. That's just our culture. I know it. That's the nature of the position.”