Rivera not committed to Smith as WFT's starter next season

Oct 11, 2020; Washington Football Team quarterback Alex Smith (11) stands on the field in front of head coach Ron Rivera (R) during warmups prior to a game. Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Ron Rivera not committed to Alex Smith as Washington's starter next season

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 2/3/21

Alex Smith returned from a life-threatening leg injury this season to boost the Washington Football Team to an NFC East title. However, it doesn't sound like head coach Ron Rivera is committed to the veteran quarterback starting in 2021.

According to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post, Rivera said during his Wednesday press conference that Washington is considering all of its options for the upcoming season.

Asked he expects Alex Smith to be on the roster next season, Ron Rivera said, "We'll see how it goes, but right now we're in a situation we're looking at all of our options."
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) February 3, 2021

Smith played the most games at QB for Washington in 2020 despite beginning the season as a backup. The 36-year-old went 5-1, completing 66.7% of his passes for 1,582 yards and six touchdowns against eight interceptions.

Washington already tried to replace Smith this offseason by offering the Detroit Lions a first and third-round pick for Matthew Stafford, who is now a member of the Los Angeles Rams.

At this point, it's unclear which other quarterbacks Washington may target. The franchise could try to land disgruntled Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, but he reportedly prefers to be traded to the New York Jets or Miami Dolphins.

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