The decision came down to this: Alex Smith was available and the Washington Redskins wanted stability at quarterback. They had other options; none appealed to them as much as trading for Smith.
The move was announced Jan. 30 and became official on Wednesday. It cost the Redskins a third-round pick plus promising young slot corner Kendall Fuller. It gave them peace of mind at the game’s most important position. The previous two years were spent wondering whether Kirk Cousins would re-sign. Now they have Smith, who received a four-year extension in the process.