Colts: Does Alex Smith make sense as a backup for Carson Wentz?

The Indianapolis Colts might not be done making additions to their quarterback room after trading for Carson Wentz.

With Jacoby Brissett a free agent and fourth-round pick Jacob Eason still a bit of a question mark, Indianapolis could conceivably pounce on former Washington Football Team quarterback Alex Smith.

Smith, who finally made his return to the NFL after his devastating leg injury in 2018, helped lead Ron Rivera to a division title in his first season in DC.

While Smith threw just six touchdowns and was intercepted eight times, he completed 66.7% of his passes, and Washington went 5-1 in games that he started.

With the allure of either drafting a quarterback at pick No. 19 or adding a veteran in this chaotic offseason too enticing to pass up, Washington is expected to part ways with the AP Comeback Player of the Year, which will save them a ton of cap space as Rivera looks to add another franchise quarterback.

Smith seems like an ideal veteran to come in and back up Wentz given his accuracy and respect around the league, but adding him might not be the best course of action.

The Colts should pick Jacob Eason over Alex Smith

Every time Smith drops back in the pocket, he’s putting himself in mortal danger given his leg injury. While Frank Reich has proven he can win games with an aging, immobile quarterback like Philip Rivers, the future Hall of Famer was much more effective throwing down the field last year than what is left of Smith.

The Colts invested a fourth-round pick in Eason, who could’ve gone in the first round based purely on his size and remarkable arm talent. While incredibly raw, a year under Rivers and Reich as the third-stringer should be enough to convince the coaching staff that he’s ready to take over QB2 duties, all the while being much more cost-effective than Smith.

Assuming the nightmare becomes reality and Wentz gets injured, who would Reich have more confidence in? A promising youngster who could throw the ball through aluminum siding, or a soon-to-be 37-year-old that is limited from one of the most horrific injuries we’ve seen on an NFL field?

Smith might be the easiest guy in the league to root for, and there is no question that if he didn’t replace Haskins, Washington likely doesn’t win the division. However, his limited arm strength is waning and his health risks are too great. Practically, Smith doesn’t fit on this roster.