Report: Redskins to look for QB with Smith's future uncertain
The Washington Redskins will likely make searching for a new quarterback their priority this offseason, one year after trading for Alex Smith and signing him to an extension, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Smith is reportedly dealing with a career-threatening infection in his surgically-repaired right leg after breaking his fibula and tibia during the Redskins' Week 11 game against the Houston Texans.
"No one has been able to definitively say he is going to play football going forward," Rapoport said. "Of course, everyone hopes that he is, but if you're the Washington Redskins the reality is Smith is unlikely to be ready for the start of the 2019 season. They know right now they do need to find a quarterback to at least begin the season with. It's just unclear whether that's going to come in free agency or potentially in the draft."
The Redskins acquired Smith from the Kansas City Chiefs this past offseason in exchange for a third-round draft pick and cornerback Kendall Fuller. They proceeded to sign him to a four-year, $94-million extension.
Smith completed 62.5 percent of his passes for 2,180 yards and 10 touchdowns over 10 games this season prior to his injury, and he also recorded 168 yards and a score on the ground. He had already matched his 2017 interception total of five.
Backup Colt McCoy replaced him in Week 11. However, McCoy suffered a season-ending fibula fracture early in Washington's Week 13 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles. Mark Sanchez, who hadn't thrown a pass since 2016 prior to the Redskins signing him, then replaced McCoy.
McCoy is under contract next season and carries a cap hit of $3.5 million, while Sanchez becomes a free agent this offseason.
Washington is projected to have roughly $20 million in cap space for 2019.