Alex Smith isn't done yet, but his time in Kansas City is

Despite a third consecutive playoff appearance and career-high statistics, it appears Alex Smith's tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs may be coming to an end.

The team is reportedly ready to trade Smith in the offseason, Patrick Mahomes had his year on the bench, and another heart-breaking playoff loss can justify a new direction. Kansas City can also release Smith without taking a major cap hit.

While the 33-year-old has likely suited up for his last home game at Arrowhead Stadium, Smith shouldn't hang up his pads yet.

The 2005 first overall pick was what the Chiefs needed him to be in 2017: A veteran presence who commanded the offense and kept them at a division-winning level while their first-round pick, Mahomes, could develop his skills and adapt to the pro game. But he also brought something new and unexpected to a Chiefs team yearning for offensive creativity.

In his 13th season as a pro, Smith showed improved skills as a deep thrower and set career highs in virtually every major statistical category.

*Among seasons with at least 15 games played

This year's draft could see some combination of five to seven quarterbacks selected in the first two rounds, which means there are going to be several teams welcoming a hopeful franchise passer to their organization. However, it is rare for a rookie QB to be ready on Day 1.

Josh Rosen, Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Mason Rudolph, and Luke Falk all have the potential to be stars in the NFL, but the differences between the college and pro games make it virtually impossible for any team to definitively say a quarterback will be ready to carry an offense immediately upon being drafted.

Enter Alex Smith, who proved this season he can tune out the noise associated with a highly touted rookie QB and produce a successful campaign.

The Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, and Washington Redskins are all potential suitors to bring in the crafty veteran, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

In terms of logical fits, the Broncos and Cardinals appear to be best suited for Smith. Both squads have ample talent on defense and possess enough weapons for Smith to run a productive offense. The combinations of Larry Fitzgerald and David Johnson, or Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders would welcome the addition of a veteran pivot with the talent and experience of Smith.

The Jets, should they choose not to bring back Josh McCown, could use Smith's leadership. Jacksonville and Buffalo are both in the playoffs with their current starters, but while Jaguars owner Shad Khan has committed to Blake Bortles as his quarterback of the future, there does seem to be a lack of commitment to Tyrod Taylor in Buffalo, with his infamous benching for rookie Nathan Peterman still fresh in the minds of all those involved.

Washington's interest in Smith relies solely on whether it can keep - or even wants - Kirk Cousins for the years to come.

The Browns hired former Chiefs general manager Jon Dorsey to fill the same role in their organization, so it's possible he makes a concerted effort to bring Smith in as the team develops its young talent.

Smith did pretty much everything he could to try to convince the Chiefs he can still sling the ball and lead an offense in his 13th season. While they may move on from him for the long-term interests of the club, they can't deny Smith still has plenty to offer an NFL team - even if it is just for the immediate future.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)