Alex Smith
FILE - Washington Football Team quarterback Alex Smith (11) plays in an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, in this Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, file photo. Washington has informed Alex Smith the team is releasing the veteran quarterback, according to a person with direct knowledge of the decision. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Friday, March 5, 2021, because Smith’s release was not yet official. The NFL's Comeback Player of the Year hopes to continue playing next season at age 37. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)
Washington releases Comeback Player of the Year Alex Smith

By Stephen Whyno Mar. 05, 2021 10:09 AM EST

FILE - Washington Football Team quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) looks to pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Landover, Md., in this , Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, file photo. Washington re-signed quarterback Taylor Heinicke to an $8.75 million, two-year contract, Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)
QB Heinicke re-signs with Washington for $8.75M over 2 years

By Stephen Whyno Feb. 10, 2021 10:48 AM EST

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) carries the ball against Baltimore Ravens free safety DeShon Elliott (32) in the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Rodgers wins 3rd MVP, Donald gets 3rd top defensive player

By Barry Wilner Feb. 06, 2021 10:53 PM EST

FILE - In this Sept. 29, 2019, file photo, Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll watches the team warm up for an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Orchard Park, N.Y. The likelihood of Daboll staying in Buffalo for at least more season have increased after he was passed over in filling the Los Angeles Chargers coaching job, two people with direct knowledge of Daboll's plans told The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane, File)
The Latest: Packers' Aaron Rodgers wins 3rd MVP Award

By The Associated Press Feb. 06, 2021 08:07 PM EST

In this still image from video provided by the NFL, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid speaks during Super Bowl 55 Opening Night, Monday, Feb. 1, 2021. (NFL via AP)
Reid, Arians bring stellar offensive systems to Super Bowl

By Josh Dubow Feb. 05, 2021 10:58 AM EST

FILE - New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) looks to throw the ball against the Miami Dolphins during an NFL football game in Miami Gardens, Fla., in this Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, file photo. Washington’s biggest offseason need is to figure out its quarterback situation. Trade for DeShaun Watson? Sign Cam Newton? Roll with Alex Smith and Kyle Allen? Coach Ron Rivera says “nothing is off the table.” (AP Photo/Doug Murray, File)
Watson? Newton? Smith? Allen? Washington explores QB options

By Stephen Whyno Feb. 03, 2021 07:20 PM EST

FILE - In this Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021, file photo, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady reacts after winning the NFC championship NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers in Green Bay, Wis. The Super Bowl matchup features the most accomplished quarterback ever to play the game who is still thriving at age 43 in Brady against the young gun who is rewriting record books at age 25. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke, File)
Tom Brady has denied 27 QBs in unparalleled playoff success

By Arnie Stapleton Feb. 03, 2021 04:32 PM EST

FILE - In this Nov. 22, 2020, file photo, Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins runs onto the field as the team is introduced before an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Landover, Md. The Pittsburgh Steelers signed the former Washington quarterback to a futures contract on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021, giving the 23-year-old a second chance after the flamed out in the nation's capital in less than two seasons. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr., File)
Former Washington QB Haskins signs deal with Steelers

By Will Graves Jan. 21, 2021 05:32 PM EST

FILE - This is a 2020 file photo showing Trent Baalke of the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL football team. The Jacksonville Jaguars formally named Baalke general manager on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021. (AP Photo)
Jags hire ex-49ers exec Baalke as GM, removing interim tag

By Mark Long Jan. 21, 2021 09:18 AM EST

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers pumps his fist after an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Rams 32-18 to advance to the NFC championship game. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
3 title game quarterbacks have similar draft history

By Josh Dubow Jan. 20, 2021 02:34 AM EST

AP Sportlight

By The Associated Press Jan. 14, 2021 10:00 AM EST
Jan. 14 1943 — Montreal’s Alex Smart scores three goals in his first NHL game and leads the Canadiens to a 5-1 victory over the Chicago...

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) and wide receiver Antonio Brown (81) celebrate a touchdown pass during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Washington Football Team, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Bucs excited to have third crack at division rival Saints

By Fred Goodall Jan. 11, 2021 04:44 PM EST

Washington Football Team's Antonio Gibson rushes during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Washington goes from 'Why not us?' to 'Who's the QB?'

By Stephen Whyno Jan. 11, 2021 04:18 PM EST

Washington Football Team quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) his chased down by Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Anthony Nelson (98) during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Heinicke impresses, but Washington comes up short vs. Bucs

By Howard Fendrich Jan. 10, 2021 12:42 AM EST

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) and wide receiver Antonio Brown (81) celebrate a touchdown pass during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Washington Football Team, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Brady outduels Heinicke, leads Buccaneers past Washington

By Stephen Whyno Jan. 09, 2021 11:42 PM EST

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson celebrates after the Ravens beat the Tennessee Titans in an NFL wild-card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
NFL Today, Wild-Card Weekend

By The Associated Press Jan. 09, 2021 08:58 PM EST

Washington Football Team's Alex Smith plays during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Philadelphia. Alex Smith is the biggest reason Washington became the first team in the Super Bowl era to start 2-7 and make the playoffs. The 36-year-old’s journey back from a broken leg and 17 surgeries was a long one, but the difference with him at quarterback has been simple: Smith doesn’t make major mistakes, manages the game and is the cool hand coach Ron Rivera wanted in control of his young team. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton, File)
Smith out, Heinicke starts for Washington vs. Tampa Bay

By Stephen Whyno Jan. 09, 2021 05:50 PM EST

Washington Football Team quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) celebrate his touchdown during the second half of the team's NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Brady and Bucs, plus Bills and Rams win NFL wild-card games

By Barry Wilner Jan. 09, 2021 05:22 PM EST

Los Angeles Rams defensive back Darious Williams (31) looks back as he scores on an interception from Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, right, during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
The Latest: Heinicke starts for Washington vs. Brady, Bucs

By The Associated Press Jan. 09, 2021 12:42 PM EST

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass during an NFL football practice Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. The Buccaneers play the Washington Football Team in a playoff game Saturday night. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
David-Goliath: Rivera eyes 2nd W with sub-.500 playoff team

By Howard Fendrich Jan. 08, 2021 11:16 AM EST