Publicly, the Chiefs are saying nothing but positive things about talks with quarterback Alex Smith about a new contract. But behind the scenes there are reasons to believe the sides are far apart.
The public comments include Chiefs General Manager John Dorsey expressing confidence about getting a deal done and Chiefs coach Andy Reid saying he’s “sure something will get done.” But two reporters have cast doubts on that.
Terez Paylor of the Kansas City Star reports that talks on a contract negotiation have been “almost nonexistent.” And Ed Werder said on ESPN that there are substantial differences between Smith and the Chiefs, and there’s a sense of pessimism about a deal getting done.
Those reports suggest that the Chiefs may just be putting a happy face on things because they don’t want to express any public doubts about the long-term viability of Smith as their starter. The 30-year-old Smith is definitely the No. 1 quarterback in Kansas City for 2014, but he may end up elsewhere when he hits free agency next year.
