NFL Notes: Alex Smith, Broncos, Dolphins

January 30, 2018

Alex Smith

Veteran QB Alex Smith mentioned during an interview with Dan Patrick on Tuesday that he wishes he knew how things were going to play out this offseason.

“I wish I knew,” Smith said. “I’ve got a year under contract there in Kansas City. I wish I was in control of this thing. I wish I was the one who got to do this. That’s just not the reality.”

Regarding the possibility of joining the Browns, Smith said he hasn’t thought about it.

“I haven’t even thought about that,” Smith said, via Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “They’ve got nowhere to go but up. 1-31 over the last two years just sounds amazing.”

A report from earlier in the day said that the Chiefs’ asking price for Smith could be a second rounder and a future draft pick. (NFLTR)

Broncos

Mike Klis of 9News writes that if the Broncos want to recruit a quarterback like Kirk Cousins in free agency, they may have to keep WRs Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders in place to make the position more attractive.
There has been talk in recent weeks that Denver could move on from either Thomas or Sanders this offseason, considering that they’re scheduled to make a combined $20.75 million for the 2018 season, despite being over 30 years old and their production dipping in recent years.
According to Klis, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Broncos elected to move on from one them.
Thomas is owed a $4 million option between February 10 and the first day of the 2018 league year. If they pick it up, Thomas is guaranteed $8.5 million. One option pertaining to Thomas, according to Klis, is to rework his contract and try to bring him back at a reduced salary.
Sanders is actually $4.25 million cheaper than Thomas and has been the more productive of the two. Although, Thomas offers better size at the position.
If the Broncos want to look for a cheaper option in free agency, Klis tosses out Sammy Watkins, Marqise Lee and Paul Richardson as some options that could make sense.