KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- When he was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs last off-season, quarterback Alex Smith professed his admiration for coach Andy Reid and his excitement at playing for the storied franchise. Now, he could have that opportunity for at least four more years. Smith signed a $68 million extension Sunday to remain with the Chiefs through the 2018 season, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team did not disclose the terms of the contract. Smith, who is due $7.5 million this season, will receive $45 million in new guarantees. "It was a priority of ours to get this deal done and keep Alex in a Chiefs uniform long term," Chiefs general manager John Dorsey said in a statement. "Alex is a proven leader on and off the field. He is a special individual with a lot of ability and we are fortunate to have him here." Smith and his agent, Tom Condon, had been discussing an extension for several months, and both sides were hopeful that a deal would be reached by the regular season. But with the Chiefs opening against Tennessee next weekend, time was quickly running out. "John and his staff along with Tom and his group have worked hard to get this deal done. Theyve done a nice job," Reid said in a statement. "Alex is a smart, talented football player that has adapted well to our offensive scheme. He also, obviously, has had a tremendous amount of success as a quarterback in this league. We as a team are very happy to have Alex as our quarterback." The Kansas City Star first reported that Smith had reached an agreement. The former No. 1 overall draft pick joins a wave of quarterbacks who have recently signed long-term extensions, including the Bengals Andy Dalton and the 49ers Colin Kaepernick. Smith has not played well in the preseason, throwing two interceptions in the red zone in his final outing against Minnesota. But hes been hampered by an offensive line in turmoil, an injury to running back Jamaal Charles that kept him out two weeks of training camp, and a suspect group of wide receivers that will start the season without suspended star Dwayne Bowe. "I feel good. I mean, I feel great," Smith said last week. "We got some good work, some things to learn from to get better, but I do -- I do feel confident in what were doing." Smiths deal is important for the Chiefs on other fronts, too. Now that hes under contract, they can turn their attention toward a long-term deal with Pro Bowl pass rusher Justin Houston. And if they fail to reach an agreement with him, the Chiefs could put the franchise tag on Houston without worrying about losing Smith to free agency. After arriving in Kansas City for a pair of second-round draft picks, Smith had possibly the best season of his career. He threw for a career-high 3,313 yards and 23 touchdowns against only seven interceptions, even while skipping a meaningless regular-season finale. More importantly, he took a downtrodden team that had won two games before his arrival to an 11-5 record and the playoffs. Smith threw for 378 yards and four touchdowns in a 45-44 loss to the Colts, setting playoff franchise record with 30 completions and 46 attempts. Smiths won-loss record the past three seasons is 30-9-1, trailing only the Patriots Tom Brady, Packers Aaron Rodgers and Saints Drew Brees in wins among QBs with at least 30 starts. Now with a year in Reids system, Smith thinks he can be even better this season. "Its always a progression. Its not like weve arrived anywhere," he said recently. "I mean, last year is a great example of where we started the season and where we ended it. Every season is like that. "There are ups and downs along the way throughout the season, but youve got to continue to progress. You want to be playing your best football as the season goes on and into late in the year. So, youre never just at a place. Youre always striving to be moving forward." Now, Smith knows that hell be moving forward with Kansas City. . The Marlies surrendered two power-play goals and failed to score on six man-advantage opportunities en route to a 4-1 defeat in American Hockey League action on Saturday. . Louis, MO (SportsNetwork.
http://www.giantsrookiestore.com/Giants ... er-Jersey/. UEFA said Wednesday that the champions of England and France only have to include five home-trained players in their 21-man squads next season instead of the expected eight. Only one of the five players needs to be trained by the club itself. . But last years runner-up Jarkko Nieminen crashed out despite winning the first set against Denis Istomin. Istomin fired 10 aces and won 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-2 to even his career record against Nieminen at 3-3. . Trailing by a goal after 20 minutes of play, Joe Pavelski responded with three goals and an assist as the Sharks snapped a two-game losing skid with a 5-2 victory over the struggling Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday.LAKE FOREST, Ill. - The Chicago Bears terminated defensive lineman Israel Idonijes contract Thursday. The Bears also signed undrafted free-agent defensive end Jamil Merrell and linebacker Conor ONeill, and waived safety Sean Cattouse, quarterback Jerrod Johnson and tight end Fendi Onobun. Idonije, a product of the University of Manitoba, played for Detroit last season after nine years with the Bears.dddddddddddd In 149 career games, he has 273 tackles, 29 sacks, 40 tackles for losses, six forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, 36 special teams tackles and eight blocked kicks. Merrill played at Rutgers, and ONeill at Wisconsin. ' ' '
