The Washington Football Team officially released quarterback Alex Smith on Friday, according to a source with knowledge of the situation — cutting ties with the reigning Comeback Player of the Year.
The move will save Washington roughly $15 million cap space, bringing the team’s total to $53 million. Smith, who joined the team in 2018, will become a free agent for the first time and appears to be leaning toward returning for another season.
Smith played in eight games for Washington last season, two years removed from a life-threatening leg injury. The 36-year-old was instrumental to helping Washington make the playoffs, going 5-1 as a starter.
Washington, though, chose to move on as the team is looking for an upgrade at the position after a surprising playoff season. Smith’s durability, too, was a question as the quarterback was hampered by a bone bruise on his surgically repaired leg down the stretch of the season — an injury that cost Smith the chance to play in the postseason.
Smith finished the year with 1,582 yards, six touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Smith’s release Friday was more of a formality as it became evident earlier in the week the team planned to part ways with the signal-caller.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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