In his first comments since being traded to Washington, quarterback Alex Smith said Thursday he is “jacked” to play with the Redskins next season.
Smith was traded Jan. 30 from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Redskins. After spending five years in Kansas City, the Chiefs moved Smith because they had 2017 first-round pick Pat Mahomes waiting in the wings. The Redskins, meanwhile, needed a new quarterback after choosing to move on from Kirk Cousins.
Speaking to KNBR 680 in San Francisco, Smith said he’s “really excited” for next season.
“Once I found out that things in Kansas City were going in a different direction, I was pumped at the opportunity and when Washington came calling I was hopeful that that was a possible destination and I’m just jacked that it worked out and that they wanted me because the feelings were mutual and I’m looking forward to it.”
Smith is coming off a career year where he threw for 4,042 yards and 26 touchdowns in 15 games. Set to enter the final year of his deal in 2018, the Redskins gave Smith a four-year, $94 million extension with $70 million guaranteed.
Smith will turn 34 in May, but told the radio station that he has no intention of slowing down soon.
“I feel like the last five or six years have flown by,” Smith said. “I’ve had more fun than I’ve ever had playing the game. The challenge of it, my body feels great, so yeah, I do feel like I can’t see the horizon at this point.”
The trade will become official March 14.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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