Alex Smith trade ignites NFL quarterback carousel

Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) shares words with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) after winning their NFL game at the Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017. Oakland defeated Kansas City 31-30. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)Former 49ers quarterback Alex Smith is about to become the Kansas City Chiefs former quarterback amid reports Tuesday night of his impending trade to Washington.

Thus begins the NFL’s quarterback carousel this offseason, one that figures to include the 49ers signing Jimmy Garoppolo to a long-term contract or at least the franchise tag.

Kirk Cousins, who played the past two seasons on Washington’s franchise tag, will hit…