WASHINGTON REPLACES COUSINS WITH SMITH
The Washington Redskins acquired quarterback Alex Smith from the Kansas City Chiefs for cornerback Kendall Fuller and a 3rd-round draft pick in 2018.
What does it give the Washington Commanders
Smith replaces Kirk Cousins at quarterback for Washington, and it's hard to see this as an upgrade. While Smith is a very solid veteran starter, he has never thrown for 30 touchdowns in an NFL season (averaging just 18 scores thrown per campaign over his last nine years). The fact he also comes with a hefty salary only adds to the questionable nature of this move, but at least Washington can be confident it has a dependable vet and solid game manager under center.
What does it give the Kansas City Chiefs
This is a bit of a steal for Kansas City. Not only do the Chiefs land a quality draft pick here (No. 78 overall this year), they pick up a talented young starting cornerback in Fuller and drop Smith's huge salary from the payroll. There's some risk here in that K.C. is handing the reins at quarterback over to the unproven Patrick Mahomes, but Mahomes might have more playmaking upside than Smith. Overall, a great deal for Kansas City.
Fantasy impact
Smith's fantasy value stays roughly the same with Washington as it was with Kansas City: that is to say, he's a borderline fantasy starter in even deep leagues. The real winner fantasy-wise here is Mahomes, who shifts from backup to starter and immediately becomes a fantasy football sleeper. Expect some growing pains, but look for Mahomes to be worth a fantasy flier as a fantasy backup QB in 2018. Fuller is a quality player whose value is greater in real football than in fantasy.
