Alex Smith reportedly not ready to retire, wants to play in 2021

After winning the 2020 Comeback Player of the Year award, Washington Football Team quarterback Alex Smith isn't ready to call it quits. 

Smith's future in Washington is uncertain. However, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler says the veteran quarterback wants to play the 2021 season, even if it's not with the Football Team. Fowler said on "SportsCenter" on Sunday, according to Pro Football Talk:

"I'm told that Alex Smith after a great comeback year, going 5-2 down the stretch, he does want to continue playing football. He's leaning that way, but he's got a large cap hit. Washington could save $13.6 million if they did move on. And many people around the league believe their answer at quarterback is not in the building. So maybe they could work something out with Smith, but he does want to play somewhere."

Smith made his return to the field for Washington in October after suffering a life-threatening leg injury in 2018. In six starts, the three-time Pro Bowler went 5-1, completing 66.7 percent of his passes for 1,582 yards and six touchdowns against eight interceptions. 

The 36-year-old was initially Washington's third-string quarterback behind Kyle Allen and Dwayne Haskins. Allen suffered a season-ending ankle injury, and Haskins was benched, and later cut, after struggling. 

Smith is set to make $18.75 million in 2021, but it's unclear if Washington is willing to take on his $24.4 million cap hit. It's also unclear which teams might be interested in trading for him.