The Kansas City Chiefs made a big-time decision this offseason after parting ways with longtime franchise quarterback Alex Smith. As a result, they will now be moving forward with quarterback Patrick Mahomes under center.

There is plenty of pressure surrounding Mahomes as the new franchise quarterback. However, head coach Andy Reid said during an appearance on PFT Live with Mike Florio that the year spent behind Smith has done wonders for his development:

“Patrick couldn’t have paid Alex Smith enough to have been in that room with him,” Reid said. “The amount of knowledge that he absorbed last year, not so much the X’s and O’s, but how you go about your day-to-day business. I think we’ll allow Patrick to take a step forward this year. Greater than what he would’ve coming in just as a rookie and playing. We’re not going to cut back a bunch. That’s not what we’re doing. We’re going to start off where we left off and expect him to jump in and go.”

Needless to say, the expectations could not be higher for Mahomes moving forward. The Chiefs have long been legitimate playoff contenders, however, their recent runs have ended rather abruptly. Kansas City is now hoping the second-year quarterback can get them over the hump.

Mahomes is still a bit raw when it comes to in-game experience. He completed 22 of 35 passes for 284 yards and an interception in his lone start last season. Regardless, it is clear that the Chiefs have seen enough to officially hand the reigns over this offseason.