Redskins: Predicting the results of the 2018 NFL quarterback carousel

Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes

The Chiefs are very likely to move on from Alex Smith this offseason. Smith is, for the second time in his career, likely to give up his starting role to a younger player. First, Colin Kaepernick took over for Smith and led the 49ers on a run to the Super Bowl in San Francisco. Following that, Smith was traded to the Chiefs where he has functioned as a starter for five seasons. Now, after the Chiefs first round exit, it appears that Patrick Mahomes is going to take over for Smith.

The writing has been on the wall for Smith since the team selected Mahomes in the 2017 NFL Draft. The team moved up to the No. 10 pick to grab Mahomes. The Texas Tech gunslinger was considered by some to be the top quarterback prospect in that draft class. He will have a shot at becoming an elite talent. The fact that the Chiefs surrendered so much to go up an get him shows how highly they think of him.

Mahomes did make one appearance for the Chiefs in 2017. He started Week 17 in a meaningless game against the Broncos, and he did pretty well. He completed 22-of-35 passes for 284 yards. He did throw an interception, but it was on an overthrow and could be written off as one rookie mistake. During the contest, Mahomes demonstrated solid arm talent and certainly has the ability to make any throw on the field. That should pay dividends in Kansas City.

With Mahomes at the helm, it’s possible that the Chiefs will be able to get Tyreek Hill more involved as a downfield threat. Hill has game breaking speed, and Mahomes has a very strong and accurate arm. That should allow them to be successful while allowing Smith to move on, in exchange for some draft capital of course.