After it became clear that Kirk Cousins was headed elsewhere during this NFL offseason, the Washington Redskins acted quickly to trade for veteran quarterback Alex Smith from the Kansas City Chiefs. Smith will take over for Cousins and although he's not getting any younger at 34 years old, he feels his best football is still ahead of him.

As Smith prepares to head into his 14th season in the NFL, the veteran gunslinger talked about how he feels starting fresh in Washington this late in his career, via Kimberley A. Martin of The Washington Post.

“I don’t necessarily want to put a label, as far as ‘prime’ … but I feel like my best football’s still ahead of me, certainly,” Smith said Thursday, following his first training camp practice with his new squad. “I still feel like I haven’t reached my potential and that still pushes me, challenges me to continue to try to get better.”

Article Continues Below
More NFL News
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) is shown after he led Gang Green to a 32-20 victory against the Miami Dolphins.
Steelers, Jets would make Week 1 history if Aaron Rodgers signsBenjamin Adducchio ·
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) prepares for a game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
NFL rumors: Falcons’ Kyle Pitts drawing legitimate trade interestBen Strauss ·
Jan 18, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles former player and ESPN commentator Jason Kelce reacts before in a 2025 AFC divisional round game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Jason Kelce hits USA Flag QB with fiery ‘not the best’ reality checkMike Gianakos ·
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) tracks a deep pass as Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) defends in the first quarter during Super Bowl 56, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.
NFL rumors: Insider dumps cold water on Rams’ Jalen Ramsey trade pursuitBen Strauss ·
Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell (58) carries the ball and runs against Chicago Bears linebacker Jack Sanborn (57) during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit
How ESPN projects Packers, Bears’ chances to beat out Lions in NFC NorthBen Strauss ·
Detailed view of the jersey of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome.
Team USA flag football star blasts idea of NFL players in 2028 OlympicsBenedetto Vitale ·

Unlike with the Chiefs, Smith won't have the same level of offensive weapons in Washington. Kansas City has a solid young core of talented young players like Kareem Hunt, Tyreek Hill, and Travis Kelce. With the Redskins, the veteran quarterback has a few talented pieces as his disposal like rookie Derrius Guice, Paul Richardson, Jordan Reed, and Vernon Davis, but the team definitely doesn't have the same firepower he's used to.

However, Smith seems highly confident in his ability to continue playing at a high level with his new team. If last season's stats are any indication, Smith should be just fine in Washington.

Last year, Smith threw for a career-high 4,042 yards, 26 touchdowns, and only five interceptions.