This trade idea for the Broncos and Alex Smith is out of hand

KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 6: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws a pass during the first quarter of the AFC Wild Card Playoff Game against the Tennessee Titans at Arrowhead Stadium on January 6, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 6: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws a pass during the first quarter of the AFC Wild Card Playoff Game against the Tennessee Titans at Arrowhead Stadium on January 6, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /
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I’ve heard a lot of wild proposals through the years, but this trade idea for the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs for Alex Smith is up there…

The Denver Broncos are desperate for a quarterback. This we know to be true. But are they so desperate they would give up not only one, but possibly two (or more) valuable assets for Alex Smith?

That’s what Mike Klis seems to think, at least.

In a radio appearance on Orange & Blue 760, Klis said that if the Broncos had the opportunity to get Smith in a hypothetical situation where they were giving up at least Aqib Talib and a second round draft pick, that they would do it in a heartbeat.

Wait, what?

Even with Klis’ clarification, it’s one of the wildest ideas I have heard this offseason. Klis is a guy in the know when it comes to the Denver Broncos, so it’s interesting that he would say this with such confidence, but perhaps he’s thinking the Broncos will do just about anything to get a quarterback.

This, however, would be a terrible idea.

Even trading within the division, the Chiefs couldn’t expect that lofty of a return for Smith, who costs $20 million this season against the salary cap, has one year left on his contract, and is 33 going on 34.

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Smith probably has some good years left in him, but an extension would need to be worked out, and we’re talking about giving up one of the best cornerbacks in the league as well as the 40th overall pick ‘at least’ for a guy that has an 87.1 career quarterback rating?

Smith wasn’t even worth that price back when he was 29 and had helped lead the 49ers to one of their best seasons in recent years.

The Niners let Smith go to the Chiefs back in 2013 for a second round pick (34th overall) and a conditional pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. That seems like a bargain given how competitive the Chiefs have been in the regular season since Smith’s arrival, but this is a guy who clearly has struggled in postseason play, most recently proving incapable of leading his team to victory at home versus the Tennessee Titans.

If the Broncos are even thinking about pursuing Smith this offseason, it had better be if — and only if — he’s released to free agency.