Alex Smith’s time with the Kansas City Chiefs is remembered as a pivotal era that brought consistency and respectability back to the team. When the Chiefs traded for Smith in 2013, they were coming off a 2-14 season and in desperate need of stability at quarterback. Smith, who had spent the previous eight seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, brought exactly that. Known for his conservative but reliable style, he was tasked with helping a team that had struggled to find long-term success and was often overlooked in the AFC.
Under head coach Andy Reid, who also joined the Chiefs in 2013, Smith quickly became a stabilizing force. His leadership, smart decision-making, and ability to limit turnovers allowed the Chiefs to establish a competitive identity. In Smith’s first season, the Chiefs achieved an 11-5 record and made the playoffs, a dramatic turnaround from the previous year. The Chiefs built a system around Smith that focused on efficiency, balanced offense, and minimizing mistakes. He became known for his “game-manager” style, which prioritized careful decision-making over high-risk plays, but he was also capable of making big plays when needed, especially with the help of running back Jamaal Charles and later tight end Travis Kelce and wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
During his tenure from 2013 to 2017, Smith led Kansas City to four playoff appearances and consistently strong regular-season performances. He earned Pro Bowl selections and helped change the perception of the Chiefs as a playoff contender. One of his most notable seasons came in 2017, when he threw for over 4,000 yards and led the league in passer rating. This breakout year showed Smith’s ability to adapt and evolve, even with the drafting of rookie quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who was seen as Smith’s eventual successor.
The Chiefs traded Smith to the Washington Football Team after the 2017 season, officially transitioning to Mahomes as their new quarterback. This move set the stage for Mahomes to lead the Chiefs to their first Super Bowl victory in 50 years, but Smith’s role in setting the foundation for that success was widely acknowledged. His professionalism, resilience, and contributions to the Chiefs’ success earned him respect from both fans and teammates, and he remains a significant figure in the franchise’s history.
Smith’s time with the Chiefs wasn’t just about wins and losses; it was about reestablishing a winning culture in Kansas City. He helped make the Chiefs a regular contender in the AFC and left a lasting legacy as the bridge between two eras, paving the way for Mahomes and a new chapter in Chiefs’ history.