Washington Football Team releases quarterback Alex Smith, source says

ByJOHN KEIM
March 5, 2021, 10:29 AM

Quarterback Alex Smith, who won the 2020 NFL Comeback Player of the Year award in helping the Washington Football Team win the NFC East title, is being released by the franchise, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Friday.

Washington, which went 7-9 in 2020, wants to upgrade at quarterback this offseason. With Smith turning 37 years old in May and due to count $24.4 million against the salary cap, a release became inevitable.

The move will save Washington $14.9 million against the cap, while Smith becomes a free agent.

Smith had two years left on a contract he signed after Washington traded for him in 2018. He made it clear to Washington he wanted to continue playing.