LOCALS IN THE NFL

NFL Network: ‘Don’t Rule Out’ Texans Pursuing Former Utes QB Alex Smith

Apr 2, 2021, 3:18 PM

Alex Smith - Washington Football Team...

Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Football Team is tackled by Justin Reid #20 of the Houston Texans in the first half at FedExField on November 18, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

(Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that former Utah quarterback and free agent Alex Smith might be pursued this offseason by the Houston Texans.

The NFL reporter brought up Smith as a potential signee for the Texans depending on what Houston does with quarterback Deshaun Watson.

The Texans reportedly aren’t currently fielding trade offers for Watson, who has been accused of sexual assault by more than a dozen women this offseason. Houston has received calls from teams regarding the quarterback but hasn’t engaged in trade talks.

Pelissero reported that if Watson ends up being traded, suspended, or decides to holdout for the 2021 season, Houston might pursue Smith.

This offseason, the Texans signed former starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor.

Taylor entered the 2020 season-opener as the starter for the Los Angeles Chargers but wasn’t unable to play after suffering a punctured lung after receiving a shot from medical personnel.

Following the 2020 campaign, Smith was released by the Washington Football Team.

If the former Utah standout wants to remain a starting quarterback in the NFL, the Texans are one of the few teams entering the 2021 season without a known starter.

Note: Smith suffered a brutal season-ending leg injury during a game against Houston in 2018.

Alex Smith in 2020

After starting the season as Washington’s third-string quarterback, Smith regained his starting role after injuries and poor play with the team’s other signal-callers.

He helped led Washington to the NFL Playoffs and posted a 5-1 record in the games he started.

Smith finished the year throwing for 1,582 yards, six touchdowns, and eight interceptions.

Alex Smith’s NFL Career

Smith has played in the NFL since 2005.

He was drafted out of Utah by the San Francisco 49ers with the first overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft.

During his career, Smith has played for the 49ers, Chiefs, and Washington.

Through 174 career games, Smith has completed 62.6 percent of his throws for 35,650 yards, 199 touchdowns, and 109 interceptions.

Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).

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NFL Network: ‘Don’t Rule Out’ Texans Pursuing Former Utes QB Alex Smith