Redskins' Gruden: Trading for Alex Smith was a 'no-brainer'

The Washington Redskins' trade for quarterback Alex Smith became official Wednesday, one month after the deal was first reported, and head coach Jay Gruden is a fan of his new passer.

"It became about how, going into free agency, are we going to chase (former Washington quarterback) Kirk (Cousins) around or go after Teddy Bridgewater," Redskins coach Jay Gruden told ESPN's John Keim of his team's approach. "You have a chance to get an established quarterback who has been as successful as (Smith) has been, consistently. So really it was a no-brainer."

Gruden is excited about Smith's fit within Washington's offensive scheme, and cited the quarterback's ability to scramble as a potential game-changer.

"(Smith's mobility is) something you can’t coach," Gruden said. "Some quarterbacks are better than others, and Alex is one of the best at it. He’s a problem when he gets outside the pocket. His movement skills are very, very underrated. He can really, really run."

And while the head coach was disappointed to lose cornerback Kendall Fuller in the trade for Smith, he said finding stability under center was the priority.

"I was surprised, very surprised (by the trade)," Gruden said. "But the chance to get a quarterback in here for the next four, five, six years is exciting."