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As we review the Kansas City Chiefs position groups in the 2013 season, it makes sense to start with the quarterbacks because everyone loves talking about that position. In Kansas City, it's going to be a big quarterback summer because Alex Smith, who played well last season, has just one year left on his contract. That means Chiefs fans get to spend the offseason talking about quarterback contracts.
Before we review the Chiefs and their quarterbacks,
Alex Smith: 60.6 %, 3,313 yards, 23 TDs, 7 INTs
Chase Daniel: 65.8 %, 248 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Tyler Bray: N/A
All three quarterbacks are new to the Chiefs as of the 2013 season.
Smith isn't going anywhere, we know that. He's the Chiefs man. The only question with him is whether the Chiefs give him a multi-year deal this season or next.
Daniel didn't exactly shine early on in but he played well in his only extended action this season, Week 17 against the Chargers. He completed 21-of-30 passes for 200 yards, 1 TD and another 59 yards rushing. He has a big contract for a back-up, a reported $10 million over three years, but I suspect he's staying here.
Bray is an interesting case because we know so little about him. His big arm was obvious in training camp and the preseason. He's under contract for cheap as an undrafted free agent. I wonder if the Chiefs would be eyeing other developmental quarterbacks in this draft.
Best game
Read this
Smith's playoff game in Indy (30-of-46, 378 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INTs)
Worst game
Smith's regular season game vs. Indy (16-of-28, 153 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT)
Best moment
The first half of Smith's playoff game against the Colts. He was straight dominant and made Chiefs fans realize that he can put up a winning performance in the playoffs (besides the part where they lost).
Worst moment
The missed pass to Cyrus Gray. That one will stick.
Injuries
None. This is a BIG one. The Chiefs probably won't be so lucky next year.
Years under contract
Smith (1): $7.5 million in 2014
Daniel (2): $2.35 million in 2014
Bray (2): $495,000 in 2014
Roster changes
Competition for the back-up positions is possible.
Free agency / Draft
The Chiefs will not find a starter in free agency and they are not likely to find a back-up as good as Daniel (at a reasonable price). The Chiefs are more likely to draft a developmental quarterback than anything. Andy Reid comes from the Ron Wolf school of drafting where you select a quarterback every year. That would pit a developmental quarterback against Bray, who was selected last year as an undrafted free agent.
Final grade: B
The Chiefs weren't winning games because of their quarterback. But, hey, they weren't losing games because of him either. That can be enough to have a successful NFL career. The Chiefs feel like they have found the future of their franchise in Smith so that has to count for something. The Chiefs also get a huge bonus for Smith staying healthy all season.
What would you do next year?
In a world where emotions don't matter and GMs are willing to risk their team's future, I would not sign Smith to a long-term contract yet. I would let him wait it out with another good year, knowing I have the exclusive franchise tag available. This is purely a financial move for me. Letting Smith play out this year and then using the franchise tag on him twice would cost roughly $40 million over the next three years. Unless Smith is willing to sign a deal for that number, I would consider not signing him right away. Of course, it may be easier to manage the relationship with a multi-year deal, which the Chiefs are expected to explore this offseason.
Daniel should stay in Kansas City as should Bray. The Chiefs should give serious thought to Bray being the No. 2 quarterback. If he is not ready for that then they need to bring in more competition for him as the No. 3 quarterback.
