Alex Smith trade shifts balance of power in the AFC West

The Kansas City Chiefs agreed to a trade of quarterback Alex Smith to the Washington Redskins, shifting the balance of power in the AFC West…

The Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Redskins agreed to a trade involving Alex Smith, Kendall Fuller, and draft picks on Tuesday night, effectively shifting the balance of power in the AFC West.

At least, temporarily.

In Smith’s 76 games with the Chiefs, they went 50-26 and he completed over 65 percent of his passes with 102 touchdowns and — incredibly — only 33 interceptions.

Smith’s efficiency was perfect over the long haul of a regular season for the Chiefs, as they have been one of the most successful teams in the NFL in terms of wins and losses since he arrived, but his lack of ability to make big plays in the postseason sort of limited the Chiefs and what they could do come January.

Smith and the Chiefs only won one playoff game in his years with the team.

Now, with Smith out of the equation, the Chiefs may not have the luxury of a steady regular season. Patrick Mahomes could end up being one of the breakout players of 2018, and this could all be moot, but more than likely, he will experience some first-year starter struggles and the Chiefs — at the very least — may not be in the driver’s seat of the AFC West anymore.

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That distinction could belong to the Los Angeles Chargers, though they are maybe the most inconsistent team in the NFL today.

If Kirk Cousins comes to the AFC West, the Denver Broncos could again become favorites to win the division now with the Chiefs trading Smith.

Of course, this move is as much a sign of how confident Kansas City is in their young gun Mahomes, and after seeing some of the stuff he’s capable of in his first regular season start in Denver back in week 17, it’s easy to see why they are so confident.

But with very limited cap space, the loss of your veteran quarterback, and no first round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Chiefs could have a bit of a down year next year, and they appear to be willing to live with whatever outcome they get.

While I love the vote of confidence in Mahomes and honestly feel the Chiefs got decent value in a trade for Smith, I think for the time being, it could shift the balance of power in the AFC West a bit, at least until Mahomes establishes himself.

Until that happens, the West is up for grabs.

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