Cleveland Browns and Alex Smith? A closer look -- Terry Pluto

[oaklandhater]

http://www.cleveland.com/pluto/index...x_smith_a.html




CLEVELAND, Ohio -- As if the Cleveland Browns needed another reason to go after Alex Smith, consider this from Profootballfocus:

"One of the surprises of the season, Smith became the league's most efficient deep thrower, finishing first in adjusted completion percentage and yards while tying for first with 12 touchdowns.

"After generally ranking near the bottom in deep passing attempts in years past, a more aggressive approach had Smith ranked 11th with 12.3 percent of his attempts going deep this season. All told, it helped to pay off as he posted a career-high PFF grade."

I've always considered Smith a "game manager" style quarterback who also has the ability to run for first downs.

At best, I thought his arm strength was average.

Maybe it's average -- but he's finding ways to get the ball downfield to open receivers.

Of course, the Browns would have to secure some better receivers -- another job for new general manager John Dorsey.

It's common knowledge Dorsey likes the 33-year-old Smith. Trading for the veteran quarterback was one of his first moves after taking over the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013.

The Chiefs season ended Saturday after they blew a 21-3 lead to the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Wild Card game. The Titans came back to win, 22-21.

Had the Chiefs advanced deep into the playoffs, they probably would have been more likely to keep Smith.

Instead, they might turn to Patrick Mahomes. He was picked No. 10 in the 2017 draft ... by Dorsey. That was a month before he was fired as general manager of the Chiefs.

The Chiefs have Smith under contract for 2018 for $17 million. Kansas City also has some salary cap problems, another reason Smith could be traded.

Given the Browns have more than $100 million of salary cap room, that's no barrier for them.

The question would be what type of draft picks the Chiefs would want in return.

And Browns fans know, their favorite team has oodles of picks -- including three in the second round of 2018.

WHY SMITH?

Some things to consider about Smith:

1. He is the anti-DeShone Kizer. In the last three years covering 46 games, he has thrown 20 interceptions. Kizer threw 21 interceptions in 15 games this season.

2. Smith has lost six fumbles in the last four years. Kizer lost six fumbles in 15 games this season.

3. Smith has a 50-26 record in five years with the Chiefs. For his career, he is 88-62-1. Is he great? No. Can he win a lot of regular season games? Absolutely!

4. Besides the money, why would the Chiefs deal Smith? He's had problems in the playoffs. He is 1-4 in the postseason. He's not played that poorly: 65 percent completions, nine TDs compared to two interceptions in five games. But the could not make a real Super Bowl run.

5. Smith has become a victim of rising expectations in Kansas City. The Chiefs were 2-14 the season before he arrived. He helped turn them into a playoff team. But the goal is the Super Bowl, and January has been a cruel month for the Chiefs because of the playoffs.

6. Smith is very durable. He has missed only four games in five years with the Chiefs.

7. Smith would give the Browns an experienced, smart quarterback who is coming off the best season of his 12-year career. The Browns have not had a player like him since they returned in 1999.

8. Turnovers destroyed the Browns in several games last season. Adding Smith would cut them dramatically.

9. Several teams will be after Smith. Possible places for him include Denver, Arizona, the New York Jets and perhaps Jacksonville or Buffalo.

10. The more you look at Smith and how he fits with the Browns, the more attractive he becomes in an orange helmet.

[jaa1025]

I think he's the best option for a team trying to change their identity from a perennial loser like Cleveland. 0-32 in the past two years. He, along with that front office will turn them into a winning team potentially as soon as next year. Baby steps. Much like Reid and Smith did for the Chiefs. They will, in a few years, be needing to upgrade the position to get them over the hump, just like the Chiefs. But they have to take that first step.

All assuming it's Cleveland.

[Red Dawg]

Originally Posted by oaklandhater

REP!

That is cool pic.

[RippedmyFlesh]

Originally Posted by oaklandhater

9. Several teams will be after Smith. Possible places for him include Denver,

This would be epic can you imagine donk fans defending Smith?
Unleash hundreds of Tigers on the mange.

[Hammock Parties]

Originally Posted by Hoover

I think the main point, is that he makes them respectable overnight. Is he going to dominate the Steelers no. But maybe they draft Barkley too and ply physical. Its not all on Alex.

Oh and Alex was 19/34 for 246 and a TD. That's not shitting the bed.

Smith had one of his lowest QBRs of the season against the Steelers. 35.8

In the playoffs last year it was 28.1.

The Steelers ****ing own him.

[Easy 6]

Originally Posted by jaa1025

I think he's the best option for a team trying to change their identity from a perennial loser like Cleveland. 0-32 in the past two years. He, along with that front office will turn them into a winning team potentially as soon as next year. Baby steps. Much like Reid and Smith did for the Chiefs. They will, in a few years, be needing to upgrade the position to get them over the hump, just like the Chiefs. But they have to take that first step.

All assuming it's Cleveland.

Very much this, he can do the same thing for them that he accomplished for us (stop laughing, haters)

They already have some nice players, so as you say, they could get back to a winning brand of football sooner rather than later... and would help create options for them at QB

Smith, Kizer, jag vet
Smith, Kizer, another #1
Smith, a new #1, jag vet, ditch Kizer

[oaklandhater]

https://247sports.com/nfl/cleveland-...mith-113556591

Won’t trade him in division. Cardinals or Browns are most likely spots https://t.co/bHwlVnNBv6

— Joe Banner (@JoeBanner13) January 7, 2018

Browns considered a favorite to land QB Alex Smith

The Cleveland Browns are considered a favorite to land Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith this off-season.

The team is loaded with draft picks and salary cap space. Chiefs General Manager Brett Veach worked under Browns General Manager John Dorsey in Kansas City for three seasons. In fact, Dorsey hired him to the staff so there is a relationship there. Dorsey, as his first act, acquired Smith from the San Francisco 49ers.

Who would be Cleveland's chief competition in a trade for Smith?

Optimum Scouting's Eric Galko believes the Washington Redskins will be involved if Kirk Cousins departs in free agency.

"Alex Smith will have plenty of teams bidding for him. I expect Cleveland and Washington (if it loses Cousins) to be the favorites. Case Keenum is expected to get a multiyear offer from the Vikings, but the Bills and Chiefs (if Smith leaves) are expected to have interest."

Cousins would reportedly have a serious interest in Cleveland as well.

The Jacksonville Jaguars, Denver Broncos and Arizona Cardinals are also expected to have interest. Former Browns CEO Joe Banner feels that the Cardinals will be the stiffest competition for Smith. Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer has already announced his retirement.

Smith was asked after their playoff loss to the Tennessee Titans if he would want to stay in Kansas City. His answer was yes, but he is the ultimate company man and teammate. His willingness to serve as a mentor for any potential draft choice is another reason why he is coveted by teams. The Chiefs are reportedly open to dealing the quarterback's services.

Las Vegas has already revealed odds on where they expect Smith to play next season.

Smith, 33, completed 341-of-505 passes for 4,042 yards, 26 touchdowns and five interceptions during the regular season. He also had 60 carries for 355 yards and a touchdown.

Cleveland is expected to pursue a veteran quarterback as well as select a rookie high in the draft. They own the No. 1 and No. 4 overall selections.

[oaklandhater]

if the browns Trade for Smith they should also Draft QB High in the draft.

Smith always plays his best football when a rookie is on his ass trying to take his job.

[JakeF]

I just don't think that Dorsey will trade for Alex Smith.You have to think that Dorsey would feel a little bit slighted by the Kansas City organization. Dorsey would also have to know how Alex Smith is going to feel about someone trading for Smith as a placeholder.

[Sassy Squatch]

Originally Posted by oaklandhater

https://247sports.com/nfl/cleveland-...mith-113556591

Won’t trade him in division. Cardinals or Browns are most likely spots https://t.co/bHwlVnNBv6

— Joe Banner (@JoeBanner13) January 7, 2018

Browns considered a favorite to land QB Alex Smith

The Cleveland Browns are considered a favorite to land Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith this off-season.

The team is loaded with draft picks and salary cap space. Chiefs General Manager Brett Veach worked under Browns General Manager John Dorsey in Kansas City for three seasons. In fact, Dorsey hired him to the staff so there is a relationship there. Dorsey, as his first act, acquired Smith from the San Francisco 49ers.

Who would be Cleveland's chief competition in a trade for Smith?

Optimum Scouting's Eric Galko believes the Washington Redskins will be involved if Kirk Cousins departs in free agency.

"Alex Smith will have plenty of teams bidding for him. I expect Cleveland and Washington (if it loses Cousins) to be the favorites. Case Keenum is expected to get a multiyear offer from the Vikings, but the Bills and Chiefs (if Smith leaves) are expected to have interest."

Cousins would reportedly have a serious interest in Cleveland as well.

The Jacksonville Jaguars, Denver Broncos and Arizona Cardinals are also expected to have interest. Former Browns CEO Joe Banner feels that the Cardinals will be the stiffest competition for Smith. Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer has already announced his retirement.

Smith was asked after their playoff loss to the Tennessee Titans if he would want to stay in Kansas City. His answer was yes, but he is the ultimate company man and teammate. His willingness to serve as a mentor for any potential draft choice is another reason why he is coveted by teams. The Chiefs are reportedly open to dealing the quarterback's services.

Las Vegas has already revealed odds on where they expect Smith to play next season.

Smith, 33, completed 341-of-505 passes for 4,042 yards, 26 touchdowns and five interceptions during the regular season. He also had 60 carries for 355 yards and a touchdown.

Cleveland is expected to pursue a veteran quarterback as well as select a rookie high in the draft. They own the No. 1 and No. 4 overall selections.

Why would the Chiefs have interest in Keenum? Am I reading that wrong?

[New World Order]

OH, what you've done here is very, very good.

[Iowanian]

Arizona makes sense too.
They've got decent WRs, Fitzgerald might stay if they bring in a vet qb, Johnson would be coming back from injury....they'd have to feel that Smith was a comparable replacement for Palmer.

[The Franchise]

Jags sign Cousins.
Browns trade for Smith.
We sign Bridgewater to back up Mahomes.

[Red Dawg]

This would make my year.

[DRM08]

Originally Posted by Pestilence

Jags sign Cousins.
Browns trade for Smith.
We sign Bridgewater to back up Mahomes.

How much is Teddy making now? I kinda like the idea of Chase Daniel for the backup spot.

[Marcellus]

Originally Posted by JakeF

I just don't think that Dorsey will trade for Alex Smith.You have to think that Dorsey would feel a little bit slighted by the Kansas City organization. Dorsey would also have to know how Alex Smith is going to feel about someone trading for Smith as a placeholder.

If Dorsey likes Smith and they can make a deal he will trade for him. It has nothing to do with how he left KC.