If the Kansas City Chiefs had just experienced a disappointing season—like a losing record, missing the playoffs, or being knocked out in the first round—changing quarterbacks and rebuilding the team would be understandable.
But the Chiefs just won the Super Bowl.
What the team might see as a rebuild would be seen by others as self-destruction.
Moreover, Smith had already gone through a similar situation with the San Francisco 49ers. Back then, he led the team to the NFC Championship and had a career-best season, yet he was still traded. If it happened again now, one can only imagine what kind of blow it would be to Smith.
People always say that professional sports are cold and ruthless, but not to this extent, right?
At the very least, Veach didn't want it to be this way.
Reid nodded slightly. "I wouldn't have any objections if we continued with Alex next season."
Veach's head shot up, eyes fixed on Reid.
"But," Veach continued, "in just a few months, Alex is going to turn thirty-four. We can't keep taking risks on a thirty-four-year-old veteran. We drafted Patrick because he represents the future, right?"
Reid brought his pudgy hands together under his chin. His soft cheeks spilled out to the sides, making his round face look even more adorable.
"Mm, that's true."
This was the key argument Veach used to convince Reid during last year's draft.
Veach leaned forward a bit, a spark of hope in his eyes. "Coach, how's Patrick doing now?"
Reid didn't hesitate, giving a direct answer. "He still has some ways to go. Patrick's strengths are his boldness, willingness to take risks, and his potential for growth. But his weaknesses are his inconsistency. Young players eager to prove themselves often become impatient."
"That's why it's good for him to be around Lance. Lance's personality can help steady him and hold things down."
Veach suddenly understood.
Typically, quarterbacks tend to stick together: starters, backups, and practice squad QBs have their own meetings and gatherings. Occasionally, they interact with the offensive line to build camaraderie.
But things were a bit different with the Chiefs.
Lance and Mahomes were close, and the two of them blended well with players from various positions. Smith never mentioned it, and Reid didn't stop it.
Reid didn't speak right away; instead, he paused to think carefully—
This matter required deeper discussion with the coaching staff.
Putting everything else aside, this would mean a complete change of quarterback. And different quarterbacks meant different styles and approaches. The entire offensive scheme would need to be restructured, starting from the coaching staff's playbook, down to player signings and draft plans.
Veach understood all of this perfectly.
"It's not impossible."
After some thought, Reid gave his answer.
Veach's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, suddenly crashed to the floor. He was both amused and exasperated.
"Coach, you're not helping."
Reid just chuckled.
Still sporting that same calm and kind expression.
Veach was a bit flustered. He straightened up and reminded Reid, "Coach, we're supposed to be on the same team here. If you say both options are fine, I'm really going to mess this up."
Reid still didn't rush, his face beaming with a smile as he looked at Veach. It was like Buddha gazing at the mischievous Monkey King.
Don't be fooled by how Veach always consulted with Reid, appearing to follow his lead. In truth, Veach's sharpness and wisdom were just carefully hidden away. He was a genuinely clever man.
Under Reid's gaze, Veach finally gave up, spreading his hands helplessly. "Fine, I won't mess it up. I don't want to lose my job. But Coach, I need your advice."
Reid spoke slowly, "Actually, before you even came to discuss this with me, you already had an answer in your heart. Throughout our conversation, you were unconsciously steering it. If my opinion matched yours, you'd relax. If it didn't, you'd get tense."
"In the end, you're just looking for someone to validate your decision and tell you that your judgment is correct."
Veach raised an eyebrow slightly, deep in thought—
Honestly, his mind was a chaotic mess. Even if he did have a preference, he couldn't sort through the noise to find clarity.
Veach looked at Reid. "Maybe. So, Coach, I need your help."
Reid adjusted his posture. "From a coach's perspective, I lean towards Alex. We are a complete team. Maintaining the current lineup would be beneficial for defending the title. In the offseason, we only need to patch a few gaps."
"But if it's Patrick, I'm also on board. I believe he'll grow quickly. He already possesses everything needed to be an excellent quarterback. Believe me, I've worked with far worse quarterbacks before."
"So, what you need is not a coach's perspective; you need a GM's perspective. How much is Alex making next season?"
Straight to the point.
Veach responded instinctively, "Seventeen million."
Previously, the Chiefs signed Smith to a four-year, $68 million contract, which included $45 million in guarantees and an $18 million signing bonus.
Now, there was just one year left on that deal.
That was precisely why Veach had been so meticulous—
If Mahomes could grow enough during the 2017 season, Smith could be traded in 2018.
If not, Smith could stay another year to guide Mahomes. There was no pressure from the contract side.
But now, things were completely different.
Reid raised his chin slightly. He wasn't fully versed in salary cap details, since team rosters were so large. Every team had a specialized department to calculate the salary cap, painstakingly balancing the numbers every offseason.
But Reid had a rough idea.
"If we talk about a contract extension, what kind of money are they expecting?"
Veach took a deep breath. The first happy headache from winning the Super Bowl had arrived.
"I'm not entirely sure right now because several big negotiations are happening—Rodgers' contract with the Packers is up, Carr's deal with the Raiders is up, and Donald's rookie contract with the Rams is expiring."
One elite quarterback, two Defensive Player of the Year candidates.
All of them were aiming for top-tier contracts, and next came the negotiations between their agents and the teams.
Other players would watch closely, adjusting their own expectations accordingly.
This meant the players needed both patience and wisdom, seeking the right moment to maximize their earnings. The top agents would definitely communicate and strategize to break the salary ceiling.
Clearly, after winning the Super Bowl, Smith now had the credentials for a big payday too.
"I estimated that Alex's yearly salary could surpass thirty million."
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Powerstones?
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