Chiefs Didn’t View Broncos As Smith Option

Although Andy Reid has dealt a starting quarterback to a team in his division before, sending Donovan McNabb to the Redskins in 2010, the Chiefs did not seriously entertain that notion in fielding offers for Alex Smith.

The two-time defending AFC West champions did not appear to consider the Broncos as a realistic trade destination for Smith, chairman Clark Hunt said (via Mike Klis of 9News).

I think it’s pretty typical in the NFL not to seek trades within the division,’’ Hunt said, via Klis. “That’s pretty standard fare particularly when we’re talking about a high-profile player.”

The Chiefs’ starting quarterback from 2013-17 reportedly drew widespread interest, with as many as six teams contacting the Chiefs. Although the Broncos haven’t been mentioned as one of the suitors, their need for a passer to complement a veteran nucleus would have made the 33-year-old Smith a logical option. But it appears Hunt wasn’t going to seriously entertain a potential Denver offer.

The Broncos’ current power structure got a good look at Smith during his Kansas City tenure. Smith faced the Broncos nine times as a Chief, going 4-5, losing the first five matchups to the then-Peyton Manning-led team before helping turn the tide in the division and helping Kansas City to back-to-back season sweeps in this rivalry series. Patrick Mahomes‘ appearance against the Broncos in Week 17 helped illustrate the direction the Chiefs were going.

The Chiefs ended up acquiring a third-round pick and Kendall Fuller, who has two more years of rookie-deal control.

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