9:09 AM PT -- WFT football coach Ron Rivera is describing the move to release Alex Smith as a mutual decision "that would be best for both parties."
Rivera says he met with Smith this week and they had a "very honest and real discussion."
"After the conclusion of that meeting, we decided that it would be best for both parties to move on and we will be granting Alex his request to be released."
Rivera praised Smith as a leader and a role model for younger players.
"He made such an impact on our young roster and his leadership was one of the key factors in our last season's success and in making the playoffs for this first time since 2015."
"Everyone here in Washington wishes Alex and his family the best going forward and appreciates all that he gave to our organization."
Alex Smith's run in D.C. is over ... the QB has officially been released by the Washington Football Team.
Now, the 36-year-old signal-caller with quite possibly the greatest comeback story EVER will try and continue his NFL career somewhere else.
Remember, Smith suffered a catastrophic injury to his right leg in 2018 -- a spiral and compound fracture to his tibia and fibula -- when he was sacked during a game against the Houston Texans.
The injury was so bad, Smith ultimately needed 17 operations to repair the damage -- and at one point, doctors seriously considered amputating the limb at the knee!
Smith missed the entire 2019 season -- but trained his ass off ... and ultimately returned to the field in 2020.
Miraculously, Smith got the green light from his doctors to resume football activities in July 2020 -- and was activated in August 2020.
Smith served as a backup for most of the season -- but when the starters all went down ... he stepped up and led the WFT in an unlikely Week 13 victory against the then-undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers!
Overall, Smith was 5-1 in games he started in 2020 -- and was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
His wife also commissioned an artist to turn his knee brace into a piece that resembled the Lombardi Trophy to commemorate his comeback.
So, what's next for Alex Smith? He reportedly still wants to play ... the question is, will any team make an offer??
Hey, he's defied the odds before ...
Originally Published -- 7:10 AM PT