Report: Alex Smith & Chiefs Further Apart Following Andy Dalton Extension

 

Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network believes the Chiefs and QB Alex Smith are actually further apart following the recent contract extension signed by the Bengals and QB Andy Dalton.

• According to Rapoport, Smith sees himself as a “true franchise quarterback.”

Dalton’s extension adds six years to his current deal and will give him the opportunity to make as much as $115 million in total. Although, it’s unlikely that he’ll come close to receiving all of the money included in this contract.

To judge Dalton’s contract, it’s probably better to distill the figures down to the foreseeable future. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported earlier in the day that Dalton will receive $25 million after two years and $35.7 million after the first three years of the contract.

Smith is almost certainly looking for a more secure contract structure to his deal and possibly even a better annual salary.

Last we heard regarding the situation, Smith mentioned that he would not allow ongoing contract negotiations to serve as a distraction and was willing to table talks until the offseason.

Smith, 30, is entering the final year of his current deal and will make $7.5 million for the 2014 season.

In his first season with the Chiefs, Smith led them to playoffs and played great in their first-round matchup against the Colts.  Smith also set career highs in passing yards with 3,313, rushing yards (431) and touchdowns (23) while only throwing seven interceptions.