Hoping Alex Smith Comes to Rescue the Bears? Don't Count on It

Plenty of names have been mentioned as possibilities for the Chicago Bears in regards to the quarterback issue. Names that might be able to come in and both serve as depth and competition for Mitch Trubisky. Obviously, this would limit the number of options they could go for but the list still had some intriguing ones. Perhaps the most interesting is Alex Smith. The four-time Pro Bowler appears to be nearing the end of an arduous process that started back in 2018.

Everybody remembers what happened. In a game against the Houston Texans, a tackle by J.J. Watt and Kareem Jackson led Smith to contort awkwardly to the ground, resulting in a horrific compound leg fracture. One that required immediate evacuation to a hospital and emergency surgery. It got so bad at one point that the leg became infected and septic. Smith admitted to John Keim of ESPN that he came frighteningly close to having it amputated.

Now almost two years removed from playing a snap of football, the quarterback appears close to a possible return. This opens the door for questions. Most important is where will he end up trying to make it. Many Bears fans are hoping the Redskins cut ties with him so Chicago can swoop in. It makes perfect sense on paper. Matt Nagy was offensive coordinator for Smith's career-best year in 2017. The connection is easy.

However, people might be a little too optimistic in this regard.

Alex Smith remains in high standing with the Redskins

While it's true Smith hasn't played football in a long time, the reality is his status in Washington is not nearly as modest as people might think. Keim reports the quarterback has remained close with ownership during the process and he's also held in high regard by new head coach Ron Rivera.

"The Redskins haven't ruled out a possible return for Smith, 35, who spent this season watching games in owner Dan Snyder's box and was often seen with him before and after games.

Smith, who is under contract through the 2022 season, will count $21.4 million against the salary cap in 2020. First-year Redskins coach Ron Rivera has consistently mentioned him when discussing the Redskins' quarterback situation. Smith also has become a mentor to Dwayne Haskins Jr., who just completed his rookie season."

While there is no denying his contract is expensive, the Redskins have held onto it this long. Besides, as a team that is in the process of rebuilding their salary cap situation isn't in any real danger. They can afford to hang onto him with Haskins still playing on his rookie deal. If the former 1st round pick falters this year, having Smith in place would make for a nice safety net.

All of this translates to a clear reality. The odds of him coming to Chicago are low. That means the Bears will have to find their savior elsewhere.