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3 NFL Teams That Should Take a Chance on Alex Smith if and When He's Ready to Play

By Alex Kurpeski

Washington Redskins QB Alex Smith's NFL future is unclear due to the leg injury he suffered in 2018
Washington Redskins QB Alex Smith's NFL future is unclear due to the leg injury he suffered in 2018 / Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

When Alex Smith suffered a catastrophic compound fracture in his leg during a November game last season, many wrote off any chances of the veteran returning to the gridiron. Smith is still under contract with the Redskins, and while he still appears to be a ways away from being game-ready -- Washington could hypothetically use him while they develop Dwayne Haskins properly -- he could make for a decent bridge QB in the right situation once he returns. In particular, these three teams ought to call the Skins and get a sense of the situation.

1. Chicago Bears

Current Chicago Bears starting QB Mitch Trubisky has experienced some well documented struggles
Current Chicago Bears starting QB Mitch Trubisky has experienced some well documented struggles / Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Think about it. From a stylistic perspective, Mitchell Trubisky is nearly a spitting image of a young Alex Smith. Both passers are (were?) extremely mobile, doing most of their damage on shorter throws while relying heavily on play action. While Smith wouldn't project as a long-term starter in Chicago, his relationship with Matt Nagy dating back to their Kansas City days is a wild card to consider if they decide to bail on Trubisky -- perhaps after 2020, when Smith has a potential out in his contract.

2. Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers appear set to move on from former MVP QB Cam Newton
The Carolina Panthers appear set to move on from former MVP QB Cam Newton / Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

If rumors regarding Cam Newton's possible exit from Carolina turn out to be true, the team is going to need to find a replacement fast. Will Grier and Kyle Allen are not likely to be the answer, so if the team decides to turn to the draft for their long-term solution, calling Washington about a Smith trade could help keep things rolling as they move into a new era.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers must decide whether Jameis Winston is their QB of the future
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers must decide whether Jameis Winston is their QB of the future / Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Alex Smith may be the anti-Jameis Winston, and that could be exactly what the Bucs need in order to contend. While Winston did lead the league in passing yards this season, the 35-turnover (30 picks, 5 fumbles lost) performance he put up is simply unacceptable. Since the 2011 season, Smith has not surpassed double-digit interceptions even once. Speaking of aging former No. 1 picks, remember what Bruce Arians was able to do in Arizona with Carson Palmer?