Mike Wilbon on Alex Smith: 'The divorce that was in the making' originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
When ESPN's "Pardon The Interruption" discussed Monday's news that Washington is expected to release Alex Smith in the coming days, Mike Wilbon said this was an expected outcome.
"This was the divorce that was in the making. The moment you read those sentences no matter what side you want to come down on, it's like okay this is done now," Wilbon said regarding the recent GQ interview Smith did.
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Though sources told NBC Sports Washington insider JP Finlay that Smith's comments were made to a reporter with little knowledge of the sport and that he had no animosity towards the organization, the quotes were nonetheless indicative that the end between Smith and Washington was near.
"When I decided to come back, I definitely threw a wrench in the team's plan," Smith said. "Heck no, they didn't want me there."
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Wilbon's co-host Tony Kornheiser said he understands the move, though recognized just how incredible Smith's two-year comeback was after his leg infection was nearly life-threatening.
"From a football standpoint, it's probably fine although I'm sure he's appreciative of what Alex Smith did," Kornheiser said. "But the two seasons Alex Smith was there, he was an 11-5 starter. Mike you know this, in the last 10 years they haven't had a quarterback that's anywhere near that."
Wilbon pointed out that not since Robert Griffin III's 2012 rookie season had a QB in the Burgundy and Gold had that much success, when Griffin took them to a 10-6 record and an NFC East title. Though Smith sported a similar record and also won a divisional title, Kornheiser pointed out Washington's wins did not come as a result of any spectacular play from Smith, who finished with six touchdowns and eight interceptions while ranking towards the bottom of the league in QB categories.
While both speculated where Smith should go, whether that be reuniting with former Chiefs coordinator and current Bears head coach Matt Nagy in Chicago or his former Utah coach in Jacksonville with Urban Meyer where he could help mentor expected No. 1 pick Trevor Lawrence, both agreed a move could be good for Smith.
"It's almost like you're getting an extra coach right there," Kornheiser said.
"Wherever Alex Smith goes I think that team will appreciate him more because he will be somewhere in between simply loved and an inspirational figure for what he has come back from as you outlined to just play," Wilbon said. To go from, yes, dying, losing your life, to playing in the NFL again. So wherever he goes I think that should just be a sigh of relief where Alex Smith decides on that team and gets there."
