LOCALS IN THE NFL
NFL Network: ‘Don’t Rule Out’ Texans Pursuing Former Utes QB Alex Smith
Apr 2, 2021, 3:18 PM
Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Football Team is tackled by Justin Reid #20 of the Houston Texans in the first half at FedExField on November 18, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
(Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that former Utah quarterback and free agent Alex Smith might be pursued this offseason by the Houston Texans.
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The NFL reporter brought up Smith as a potential signee for the Texans depending on what Houston does with quarterback Deshaun Watson.
The Texans reportedly aren’t currently fielding trade offers for Watson, who has been accused of sexual assault by more than a dozen women this offseason. Houston has received calls from teams regarding the quarterback but hasn’t engaged in trade talks.
Pelissero reported that if Watson ends up being traded, suspended, or decides to holdout for the 2021 season, Houston might pursue Smith.
The #Texans still haven’t engaged in trade talks, but they continue to get calls about Deshaun Watson. And if it becomes clear Watson won’t be there — via trade, holdout or otherwise — don’t rule out Alex Smith landing in Houston. @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/q1yPLMBOTU
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 2, 2021
This offseason, the Texans signed former starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor.
Taylor entered the 2020 season-opener as the starter for the Los Angeles Chargers but wasn’t unable to play after suffering a punctured lung after receiving a shot from medical personnel.
Following the 2020 campaign, Smith was released by the Washington Football Team.
If the former Utah standout wants to remain a starting quarterback in the NFL, the Texans are one of the few teams entering the 2021 season without a known starter.
Texans could pursue QB Alex Smith if Deshaun Watson isn't on team this fall (per @TomPelissero)https://t.co/PjK0Ov9g8R pic.twitter.com/yml56lClAH
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) April 2, 2021
Note: Smith suffered a brutal season-ending leg injury during a game against Houston in 2018.
Alex Smith in 2020
After starting the season as Washington’s third-string quarterback, Smith regained his starting role after injuries and poor play with the team’s other signal-callers.
Nearly two years after a life-threatening leg injury, Alex Smith has returned to the field.
(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/kBrDyHAvBT
— ESPN (@espn) October 11, 2020
He helped led Washington to the NFL Playoffs and posted a 5-1 record in the games he started.
Smith finished the year throwing for 1,582 yards, six touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
Alex Smith’s NFL Career
Smith has played in the NFL since 2005.
He was drafted out of Utah by the San Francisco 49ers with the first overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft.
During his career, Smith has played for the 49ers, Chiefs, and Washington.
Alex Smith and Terry McLaurin connect on the deep ball for 42 yards!
📺: #CINvsWAS on CBS
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/XvGQdBFS2I pic.twitter.com/k568vk358W— NFL (@NFL) November 22, 2020
Through 174 career games, Smith has completed 62.6 percent of his throws for 35,650 yards, 199 touchdowns, and 109 interceptions.
Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for KSLSports.com and host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).
