Unable to strike a long-term contract for two years' running with Kirk Cousins, the Washington Redskins have solved their uncertainty at quarterback by trading for Kansas City's Alex Smith, according to a source with knowledge of the deal.
The move, which was first reported by the Kansas City Star, will bring the 33-year-old quarterback to Washington. It is expected to be finalized Wednesday. Under the agreement in principle, Smith, who had one year remaining on his contract with Kansas City, will sign a four-year contract extension. It is unclear what Washington will send Kansas City in return, but it will no doubt be less than the roughly $35 million that would be owed Cousins if the team were to use the franchise tag on him for a third straight year to keep him a Redskin.