Start with the way last season ended, when the Chiefs quarterback turned in a dismal performance in a playoff loss to Pittsburgh. The Steelers won despite failing to score a touchdown, ending a season for Kansas City that included 12 wins and a division title.
Then came the NFL draft, when the Chiefs boldly traded up to 10th overall to select Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes III — the heir apparent to Smith, who has two years left on his contract.
Throw in the decision to release one of Smith's favorite targets, wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, in a cap-saving move and the quarterback can look back quite ruefully on the last few months.