THESE CHAPTERS WERE SUPPOSED TO COME OUT TODAY. UPLOADED MORE THAN NEEDED YESTERDAY.
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The highest salary, fully guaranteed.
When these two keywords collided, they sparked unbelievable energy, drawing all eyes across the league to the Minnesota Vikings overnight.
And to Cousins.
The former fourth-round quarterback was finally enjoying his first moment in the sun.
The buzz was unstoppable.
And it was precisely because of Cousins' history-making move that all other free agency news—including Smith's—suddenly seemed to fade in comparison.
On March 15, one day after the Cousins bombshell, the Washington Redskins and the Kansas City Chiefs jointly released the official announcement:
Smith had officially joined the Washington Redskins.
The trade cost: a 2018 second- and third-round draft pick, plus third-year cornerback Kendall Fuller.
Reportedly, the Chiefs originally aimed for a first-round pick. Because of their trades at last year's draft, their own first-rounder had gone to the Buffalo Bills. Veach wanted to make up for it.
Win-win.
The Chiefs received valuable picks and a much-needed cornerback, while the Redskins acquired a foundational quarterback to guide them through their rebuilding transition.
Shortly after, Washington announced they had signed Smith to a four-year, $116 million deal. With a $29 million annual salary, Smith briefly became the league's highest-paid player—breaking the record set by Cousins just the day before.
However…
Cousins' deal was fully guaranteed. Smith's guaranteed portion was $65 million, along with a $27 million signing bonus.
Put side by side, the difference was clear.
Opinions varied.
Some praised Cousins' shrewdness, others mocked Smith for missing a golden opportunity. Some called the Vikings suckers, some wondered about Smith's future in D.C., some argued Smith wasn't worth the money, and some believed he'd made the right choice.
Cousins in the lead, Smith following—this offseason was off to a blazing, chaotic start. The 2018 season had barely begun, and already the battlefield was lit.
As for Smith?
He felt… conflicted.
On the one hand, this was exactly what he'd worked for: $29 million a year, putting him among the league's elite earners.
It wouldn't last—once Green Bay re-signed Rodgers, that $30 million barrier would be broken easily—but at least for now, it was his moment.
A Super Bowl champion. Now this. Another dream realized.
On the other hand, he felt a deep sense of loss and sorrow.
Once upon a time, he'd truly believed he'd finish his career in Kansas City. He'd given the city everything, with no reservations. They had embraced him when he was at his lowest.
He had imagined walking away from football in this city.
But fate had other plans.
And now, he was leaving.
As the villain.
If he showed his face in Kansas City now, he wouldn't be met with applause or cheers, but with boos and middle fingers—maybe even spit.
"Alex."
Behind him, his wife Elizabeth called gently. Smith quickly straightened up, forced a smile, pretending nothing was wrong.
But Elizabeth embraced him.
"You didn't have to come back. The movers could've handled it."
Smith nodded. "I know. But I wanted to say goodbye myself."
Elizabeth exhaled deeply. "But no one wants to say goodbye to you."
Smith forced a smile. "That was my choice, remember?"
Elizabeth shook her head. "But no one else knows."
Smith: "It's okay. The rookie knows. He'll carry the captain's mantle and lead the team forward. That's enough."
Part of why Smith chose the Redskins was because they were in the NFC—they wouldn't meet the Chiefs again for another four years. Not facing Kansas City so soon gave him time to adjust.
Elizabeth sighed. "You understand everything..."
Smith smiled bitterly. "Yeah. But even knowing all the reasons, it still hurts."
Even if this was his decision, leaving Kansas City like a traitor, sneaking away like a stray dog, still cut deep.
Elizabeth, frustrated, grumbled a blunt "serves you right." But she still pulled him into another hug, unable to stay mad.
Smith finally managed a weak smile. "I thought you'd be happy."
Elizabeth had once been a Raiders cheerleader—a sworn enemy of the Chiefs.
She muttered, "Oh sure, I'm thrilled to leave this godforsaken place."
Yet as she spoke, she discreetly wiped her eyes.
No one understood better than Elizabeth how shattered Smith had been after leaving San Francisco. Kansas City had healed him.
Reid, the Chiefs, the city—they'd given him hope again. Given him a reason to smile.
And now, even though it was his decision, leaving in disgrace, it felt like betrayal.
The kids had already gone to Washington with their grandparents. The couple quickly packed what they could, leaving heavier items to the movers, and dragged their luggage out the door.
Smith wanted to make one last stop—Arrowhead Stadium.
But—
In the distance, he saw a sea of red.
He froze. Could another incoming player be arriving?
Then he saw the signs.
His face. Raised high above the crowd.
"Alex, thank you."
Caught off guard, Smith slammed the brakes and buried his head in the steering wheel, unable to hold back the tears.
Outside, the wind carried their voices.
"Alex…"
"ALEX!"
"Hey, remember—once a Chief, always a Chief. Don't forget."
"It's been an extraordinary journey. Thank you."
"Next time we meet, we'll be opponents. But today, you're still our captain."
Thousands of voices rose in unison.
"CAPTAIN!"
"CAPTAIN!"
Beside him, Elizabeth could no longer hold it in either. She sobbed, overwhelmed by the sea of red.
In her memory, it was springtime, five years ago. The weather was gloomy, but the city had opened its arms and welcomed them warmly.
Now, the years had passed. Arrowhead was still Arrowhead. The fans were still the fans.
So much had changed. And yet, somehow, nothing had.
Whoooosh.
The spring wind howled. The sun burst through the clouds and cast its light upon a sea of crimson.
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Powerstones?
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