If the Chiefs move on from Alex Smith, should the Jets acquire the quarterback?

The Kansas City Chiefs had an early exit from the postseason on Saturday as they fell to the Tennessee Titans 22-21 in the Wild Card round.

Even before the loss, Ian Rapoport indicated the Chiefs would listen to offers for Smith.

When it comes to the Chiefs moving on from Smith, it is more a question of ‘when’ than ‘if’. Kansas City has first round pick Patrick Mahomes waiting in the wings. Mahomes will eventually become the starter in Kansas City. The question is whether the Chiefs are ready to make the move now or wait one more year.

Should the Jets throw their hat into the ring in the event Smith becomes available?

Why it would make sense:

All you have to do is look at recent Jets quarterback history to see the argument for making a move. Smith would probably become the best Jets quarterback since Chad Pennington the second he set foot in the team facility.

He has continually improved since entering the league and had his best season yet in 2017, throwing for over 4,000 yards for the first time with a robust 8 yard average per attempt with 26 touchdowns and 5 interceptions.

Why it wouldn’t make sense:

The question always lingers whether Smith is really good enough to get his team over the hump. While everybody realizes Smith is a quality quarterback, he also had a great infrastructure in Kansas City with unique playmakers and an innovative offensive system. If you take those away, there is a real chance he reverts to being just a decent game manager.

Age is also a bit of a question mark. Smith will be 34 before the start of the 2018 season. Being 34 years old at quarterback isn’t the same as being 34 years old at wide receiver or linebacker, but it still is closer to the end than the beginning. Any such acquisition could just be a short term solution.

What do I think?

I have had enough of the Jets going the band aid route at quarterback with journeymen in their 30s. While Smith is clearly a cut above Josh McCown, Ryan Fitzpatrick, and (the washed up Jets version of) Michael Vick, it isn’t clear how high his ceiling is. It probably says something that his current team is looking to contend and moved up in the first round to take his replacement.

I don’t think the Jets can justify trading a Draft pick (or picks) for a guy in his mid 30s at this point. If you watch the Rapoport video, it sounds like that is what it will take. The Chiefs do not seem inclined to let Smith go unless their terms are met.

I would take Smith as veteran insurance for a rookie if the Chiefs cut him, but that isn’t going to happen. There are enough teams believing they are a quarterback away that the Chiefs will have a nice trade market in the event they decide to go with Mahomes as their starter.

What do you think?