The Washington Football Team has released quarterback Alex Smith, Ian Rapoport reports for NFL Network.
This move was reported to be coming on Monday and has now reached its inevitable conclusion.
Washington head coach Ron Rivera said in a statement the decision came after he and Smith had a meeting and the team granted Smith's "request to be released."
"I want to thank Alex for his contributions this past year," Rivera's statement read. "He made such an impact on our young roster and his leadership was one of the key factors in our late season success and in making the playoffs for the first time since 2015."
"Everyone here in Washington wishes Alex and his family the best going forward and appreciates all that he gave to our organization," Rivera's statement said.
Releasing Smith, the NFL Comeback Player of the Year, saves Washington approx. $14.9 million against their salary cap.
The 36-year-old quarterback still wants to be an NFL starter, a chance he wasn't likely to get in Washington. Now he has it.
