Alex Smith Net Worth and Career Earnings: How Much Is He Worth?

Alex Smith’s net worth and career earnings have made him one of the wealthiest NFL players. In this article, NFL Player Fortune explores his contracts, financial journey, and the factors contributing to his impressive net worth.

Alex Smith Quick Facts

What is Alex Smith’s net worth in 2024?

As of 2024, Alex Smith’s net worth is estimated to be around $95 million, making him one of the wealthiest NFL players.

Comparatively, his net worth stands out even among other prominent figures in the sports industry, reflecting his successful career and intelligent financial decisions. Similar individuals and entities include:

• Philip Rivers
• Tom Condon
• Patrick Mahomes
• Carson Palmer

His wealth is a testament to his career achievements and the lucrative contracts he secured over the years.

The title of Richest NFL Player is often reserved for those who have excelled on the field and made wise investments off the field.

What is Jared Goff’s salary and contracts?

Alex Smith, born May 7, 1984, is a former professional American football quarterback known for his remarkable career spanning over 16 seasons.

Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 217 pounds, Smith’s journey began when the San Francisco 49ers selected him as the #1 overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft.

A graduate of the University of Utah, Smith’s career was marked by resilience and perseverance.

Throughout his career, Smith earned $210,000,000, with an average per year (APY) of $13,125,000.

His contracts included significant guarantees amounting to $124,000,000, showcasing the trust and value placed in his abilities. In 2018, he received his most considerable cash payment of $40,000,000, reflecting his peak market value. Smith’s highest salary cap number came in 2020, reaching $20,300,000.

Although his career was interrupted by a severe leg injury in 2018, Smith exemplified the dedication and determination required to succeed at the highest levels of professional sports.

His comeback to the field after such an injury is often cited as one of the most inspiring stories in NFL history.

Alex Smith: A Comprehensive Career and Earnings Overview

Alex Smith, an American former professional football quarterback, had a distinguished career in the NFL spanning over 16 seasons.

A significant figure in the sport, Smith’s journey from a promising college player to a seasoned professional was marked by notable achievements and substantial earnings.

This analysis delves into the specifics of his career and financial milestones, corresponding to the detailed financial data provided.

Early Career and Time with the San Francisco 49ers (2005-2012)

Alex Smith was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers as the first overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft, marking the beginning of his professional journey.

In his rookie season, Smith earned a base salary of $500,000, a prorated bonus of $200,000, and a significant roster bonus of $2,000,000.

These earnings contributed to a total cap of $2,700,000, representing 3.2% of the team’s cap. His total cash paid for the season amounted to $3,500,000.

Smith’s salary structure remained relatively consistent in the following years, with incremental increases in his base salary and prorated bonuses.

By 2008, his base salary had increased to $2,300,000, with a substantial prorated bonus of $7,616,262, bringing his cap to $9,916,262. This accounted for 8.5% of the 49ers’ cap, indicating his growing value to the team.

Despite facing challenges and injuries, Smith’s performance improved, and his financial rewards reflected this trajectory.

In 2011, Smith’s base salary rose to $4,000,000, and the team paid an additional $900,000 as another bonus, leading to a total cap number of $4,900,000.

The following year, 2012, was particularly significant as Smith’s total earnings reached $8,000,000. His contract included a base salary of $5,000,000 and a $3,000,000 roster bonus.

During this period, he peaked his financial earnings with the 49ers, making up 7.7% of the team’s salary cap.

Transition to the Kansas City Chiefs (2013-2017)

2013, Alex Smith was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, marking a new chapter in his career.

His debut season with the Chiefs saw him earning a base salary of $7,500,000, supplemented by a $1,000,000 roster bonus, culminating in a cap of $8,500,000.

This figure represented 6.2% of the Chiefs’ cap, reflecting Smith’s significant role in the team’s strategy.

Smith’s financial growth continued with the Chiefs. By 2015, his base salary had surged to $11,900,000, and he received a $3,600,000 prorated bonus, leading to a cap number of $15,600,000, accounting for 10.8% of the team’s cap.

His consistent performance and leadership solidified his position as a valuable asset for the Chiefs. In 2017, Smith’s final year with Kansas City, his total earnings included a $10,800,000 base salary, a $3,600,000 prorated bonus, and a $2,000,000 roster bonus, contributing to a cap number of $16,900,000.

Washington Redskins/Washington Football Team (2018-2020)

Smith’s career took another significant turn when he was traded to the Washington Redskins (later renamed the Washington Football Team) in 2018.

His contract with Washington was notably lucrative, with a base salary of $13,000,000 and a prorated bonus of $5,400,000, bringing the cap number to $18,400,000, making up 10.3% of the team’s cap.

This period marked Smith’s highest earnings in a single year, with total cash paid amounting to $40,000,000.

Despite a devastating leg injury 2018 that threatened his career, Smith made a remarkable comeback.

In 2020, his base salary reached $16,000,000, with a $4,300,000 prorated bonus, leading to a cap of $20,300,000, 9.7% of the team’s cap.

His resilience and determination were widely celebrated, solidifying his reputation as a dedicated and inspirational player.

Summary of Career Earnings

Over his 16-season career, Alex Smith earned $133,500,000 in base salaries, with an additional $53,402,930 in prorated bonuses.

His total earnings, including all bonuses and incentives, amounted to $198,252,930. He played for three teams: the San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Washington Football Team, with the 49ers contributing the most to his career earnings.

In terms of earnings by team, Smith earned $71,500,000 with the 49ers, $67,500,000 with the Chiefs, and $71,000,000 with Washington.

Notably, the Washington Football Team paid Smith an average of $23,666,667 per year, highlighting the substantial investment made in him during the latter part of his career.

Dead Money and Final Financial Figures

Smith’s career also included dead money and salary cap space that counts against a team after releasing or trading a player.

The Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Football Team accounted for dead money figures of $3,600,000 and $8,200,000, totaling $11,800,000.

These figures underscore the financial complexities and long-term commitments associated with high-profile players like Smith.

Impressive on-field performances and substantial financial success marked Alex Smith’s career. His journey reflects the financial rewards and risks associated with professional sports, making him one of the most notable quarterbacks in NFL history.

Contract

Alex Smith, a highly regarded quarterback, had a distinguished career in the NFL, marked by significant contributions to the teams he played for: the San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Washington Redskins (now Washington Commanders). Over his career, Smith’s contract negotiations and earnings reflect his value on the field and his adaptability as a player.

Smith was drafted first overall by the San Francisco 49ers in 2005. He signed a contract that set the foundation for his professional career.

During his time with the 49ers (2005-2012), Smith earned a total of $71.5 million, with an average per year (APY) of $7.15 million.

His highest cap hit with the 49ers occurred in 2008, reaching $9.916 million, reflecting his growing role and importance to the team.

After a successful tenure with the 49ers, Smith was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013.

His tenure with the Chiefs marked a significant phase in his career, where he proved to be a consistent and reliable quarterback.

Over five seasons with the Chiefs, Smith earned $67.5 million, averaging $13.5 million annually. Notably, his salary peaked in 2016, with a cap hit of $17.8 million, emphasizing his status as a critical player for the team.

In 2018, upon his trade to Washington, the Chiefs incurred a $3.6 million dead money cap charge due to the structure of his contract.

The final phase of Smith’s career came with the Washington Redskins, beginning in 2018. Smith signed a substantial contract that underscored his experience and leadership capabilities.

Over three seasons, he earned $71 million, with a notably high APY of $23.67 million. His cap hit in 2019 reached $20.1 million, and his total earnings peaked significantly due to his guaranteed salary and bonuses, reflecting his high market value at this stage of his career.

The Commanders faced a $8.2 million dead money cap charge in 2021 following Smith’s injury and subsequent retirement considerations.

Smith earned $210 million throughout his career, with guaranteed earnings reaching $94.025 million.

His journey through the NFL showcases his on-field skills and highlights the strategic financial planning involved in maintaining a top-tier athlete’s career.

From Smith’s draft to his retirement, Smith’s career trajectory illustrates the intricate balance between performance, contract negotiations, and team strategy, making him a noteworthy figure in NFL history.

Overview of Alexander Douglas Smith

Alexander Douglas Smith, born on May 7, 1984, is a former NFL quarterback who played for 16 seasons.

Smith’s remarkable career began at the University of Utah, where he earned first-team All-American honors and led his team to a victory in the 2005 Fiesta Bowl.

He was the first overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. Despite early struggles, Smith excelled in 2011, leading the 49ers to their first division title and playoff win since 2002 and their first NFC Championship Game appearance since 1997.

However, after a concussion in 2012, he lost his starting position to Colin Kaepernick and was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs.

With the Chiefs, Smith achieved four playoff runs, consecutive division titles, and a playoff victory in the 2015 season, a first for the franchise since 1993.

He earned three Pro Bowl selections and led the league in passer rating in 2017. Traded to Washington in 2018, Smith endured a life-threatening leg injury but made a heroic comeback in 2020, leading Washington to a division title and winning the NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

Smith retired in 2021, with his comeback celebrated as one of the greatest in NFL history.

Early life

Smith was born in Bremerton, Washington, on May 7, 1984, and grew up in La Mesa, California. His father, Douglas D. Smith, served as an executive director at Helix High School, where Smith attended. During his junior and senior years as a starter for the Helix Highlanders, Smith led his team to an impressive 25–1 record, winning two San Diego CIF section championships.

He was named first-team all-conference and all-county and was twice recognized as the conference offensive player of the year and team MVP. Smith set a school record by throwing for six touchdowns in one game and achieved the second-highest completion percentage in San Diego CIF history.

He was also a high school teammate of future NFL star Reggie Bush, both of whom were finalists for the 2004 Heisman Trophy.

College career

Alex Smith attended the University of Utah and played for the Utah Utes, wearing number 11.

He finished fourth in voting for the 2004 Heisman Trophy and was selected as the 2004 Mountain West Conference Player of the Year.

Smith had a 21–1 record as a starter, leading victories in the 2003 Liberty Bowl and the 2005 Fiesta Bowl.

Professional career

In the 2005 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers selected Smith with their first overall pick. They preferred him over California quarterback Aaron Rodgers due to concerns about Rodgers’s personality fit with head coach Mike Nolan.

Smith signed a six-year, $49.5 million contract with $24 million guaranteed. His rookie season, however, was marred by injury and inconsistency, resulting in just one touchdown pass against 11 interceptions in nine games.

In the 2006 season, Alex Smith entered with a new offensive coordinator, Norv Turner, and an upgraded offensive lineup, including top draft pick Vernon Davis and feature back Frank Gore. Smith’s off-season dedication to working with his new team and improving his technique paid early dividends.

He threw for 814 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions in the first three games. Despite a mid-season slump where he averaged only 153 yards per game with six touchdowns against nine interceptions, Smith led a significant three-game winning streak in November.

A notable moment came on November 5 when Smith met Joe Montana for the first time, leading the 49ers to a 9–3 victory over the Vikings while wearing throwback jerseys. In a pivotal game against Seattle, Smith excelled in the fourth quarter, overcoming initial criticism to lead the team to a 27–7 victory.

He ended the season with 16 touchdowns, 16 interceptions, and 2,890 yards, achieving a 74.8 quarterback rating.

Smith became the first quarterback in 49ers history to take every snap from center throughout the season.

In 2007, Alex Smith began the season under his third offensive coordinator in three years, with Jim Hostler implementing a mix of systems. In the season opener against the Arizona Cardinals, Smith led a two-minute comeback win.

However, on September 30, he suffered a grade-three shoulder separation, missing several games. Despite tension with Coach Mike Nolan, Smith’s season ended prematurely with surgery after being placed on injured reserve on December 11, 2007.

During the 2008 training camp, Alex Smith competed against Shaun Hill and J. T. O’Sullivan for the starting quarterback position. Hill had prior success but was sidelined due to a back injury.

Smith faced the challenge of adapting to Mike Martz’s new offensive system, vastly different from previous years. Ultimately, O’Sullivan was chosen as the starter due to his familiarity with Martz’s scheme.

On September 10, 2008, Smith was placed on injured reserve following a diagnosis of a broken bone in his shoulder, attributed to a wire from a prior surgery.

Despite this setback, the 49ers’ general manager Scot McCloughan indicated plans to release Smith by 2009 due to his high salary, when they would owe him $9,625,000.

However, after head coach Mike Nolan was fired on October 20, 2008, the 49ers sought to retain Smith if he accepted a contract renegotiation.

On March 10, 2009, Smith agreed to a restructured deal, taking a significant pay cut to remain with the team for the next two years. Initially set to earn $24.6 million, he would now make $4 million annually for 2009 and 2010.

Smith’s journey as the 49ers’ quarterback saw significant changes. Mike Singletary became head coach, leading to Martz’s firing and Jimmy Raye II’s hiring as Smith’s fifth offensive coordinator in five seasons.

Despite losing the starting spot to Shaun Hill, Smith replaced him mid-game in Week 7 and was named starter after that.

He finished the season with 2,350 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, guiding the team to an 8–8 record.

Smith entered the 2010 season as the starting quarterback with some continuity, retaining offensive coordinator Raye.

Despite this, the team began with a 0–5 record, leading to Raye’s firing and replacement by Mike Johnson, who implemented a spread offense. The 49ers drafted Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati for better protection.

Smith was named one of the team’s captains on September 8. After a shoulder injury in Week 7, he was replaced by Troy Smith. Following a loss to the Packers in Week 13, Smith reclaimed his starting position and led a crucial victory over the Seahawks in Week 14. The 49ers finished 6–10, and Smith became a free agent.

In 2011, Jim Harbaugh was hired as the new head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, with Greg Roman joining as the offensive coordinator.

Harbaugh welcomed Alex Smith back to the team despite Smith’s family’s wishes for him to leave San Francisco. During the 2011 NFL lockout, Smith organized team workouts and helped install Harbaugh’s offensive system.

Smith signed a one-year, $5 million contract post-lockout and was named the starting quarterback.

Under Harbaugh’s guidance, Smith significantly improved, particularly in leadership and game management.

He led several comeback victories, notably a 24–23 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4 and a 25–19 victory over the Detroit Lions. Smith’s performance helped the 49ers achieve a 13–3 regular-season record, their best since 1997, earning a first-round playoff bye.

Despite ranking 29th in total passing yardage, Smith set personal bests in multiple categories, including 3,144 passing yards, a 90.7 passer rating, and only 5 interceptions.

In the NFC Divisional round, Smith led the 49ers to a 36–32 victory over the New Orleans Saints, throwing for 299 yards and scoring four touchdowns. The 49ers’ season ended with a 20–17 overtime loss to the New York Giants in the NFC Championship Game.

Smith was awarded the Ed Block Courage Award and named to the USA Today All-Joe Team.

In 2011, the San Francisco 49ers experienced a significant transformation under new head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Alex Smith, the starting quarterback, played a pivotal role in this turnaround.

Despite his family’s wishes for him to leave San Francisco, Smith signed a one-year, $5 million contract and was named the starting quarterback heading into the regular season.

Under Harbaugh’s guidance, Smith showed marked improvement. Although he did not post spectacular statistics, he excelled in leadership and efficiency, minimizing mistakes and controlling the clock.

In Week 4, Smith led a comeback from a 23-3 deficit against the Philadelphia Eagles, completing 9 of 9 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns in the third quarter alone. In Week 6, he secured another comeback victory with a decisive touchdown pass to Delanie Walker against the Detroit Lions.

Smith’s performance led the 49ers to a 13-3 regular season record, their best since 1997. His achievements included setting career highs in several categories: 3,144 passing yards, a 90.7 passer rating, and only five interceptions.

Despite being sacked an NFL-high 44 times, he maintained a league-best interception rate of 1.123 percent.

Smith orchestrated a dramatic victory over the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Divisional round, throwing for 299 yards, three touchdowns, and rushing for another. His leadership was crucial in two go-ahead touchdown drives in the final minutes.

Though the 49ers fell to the New York Giants in the NFC Championship Game, Smith’s performance earned him the Ed Block Courage Award and a spot on the USA Today All-Joe Team.

In the wake of the 2011 season, Smith became a free agent and explored options with the Miami Dolphins amid rumors of the 49ers’ interest in Peyton Manning.

However, following Manning’s decision to join the Denver Broncos, Smith re-signed with the 49ers on a three-year, $24 million contract. The team bolstered their roster with Randy Moss, Mario Manningham, and first-round draft pick A.J. Jenkins.

Smith had a solid start to the 2012 season, maintaining a 104.1 passer rating and leading the league with a 70% completion percentage before a concussion led to Colin Kaepernick taking over as the starter. Smith was noted for his leadership skills and was named to the USA Today All-Joe Team.

Kansas City Chiefs

In February 2013, the 49ers traded Alex Smith to the Kansas City Chiefs for a second-round pick in the 2013 NFL draft and a conditional pick in the 2014 NFL draft.

The trade was finalized on March 12, 2013. Chiefs’ head coach Andy Reid confirmed Smith as the starting quarterback for the 2013 season, where he impressed with his high football IQ and exceptional passing accuracy.

Smith led the Chiefs to a 9-0 start, ending the season with 1,919 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and four interceptions. On December 15, 2013, Smith achieved his first perfect passer rating in a victory over the Oakland Raiders.

Despite his strong performance, the Chiefs lost to the Colts in the AFC Wild Card Round, with Smith throwing for 378 yards and four touchdowns. He was selected for his first Pro Bowl, leading all quarterbacks in yards and tied for most touchdowns.

On August 31, 2014, Smith signed a four-year contract extension with the Chiefs. He completed 65.3% of his passes for 3,265 yards, 18 touchdowns, and only six interceptions across 15 games.

However, the Chiefs ended the season with a 9-7 record and missed the playoffs.

In the 2015 season, Alex Smith was elected to the Pro Bowl as an alternate but declined the offer.

He led the Chiefs to the playoffs, where they defeated the Houston Texans 30–0 in the Wild Card Round. Smith threw for 190 yards, a touchdown, and an interception and rushed five times for 27 yards.

The Chiefs lost to the New England Patriots 27–20 in the Divisional Round. Smith was named team MVP alongside Eric Berry and was recognized as the 81st best player on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.

In the 2016 season, Smith led a historic comeback against the San Diego Chargers in Week 1, winning 33–27 in overtime.

He posted a career-high 3,502 passing yards and 328 completions and ran for a career-high five touchdowns. The Chiefs made it to the postseason but lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Divisional Round. Smith was again ranked 81st-best on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.

During the 2017 season opener, Smith achieved 368 passing yards and four touchdowns, leading the Chiefs to a 42–27 victory over the defending Super Bowl champions, the New England Patriots.

This performance earned him the AFC Offensive Player of the Week award for the first time. In Week 13, Smith had another impressive game with 366 passing yards and four touchdowns against the New York Jets despite the Chiefs losing 38–31.

Smith rested in Week 17 with a playoff spot secured, finishing the season with 4,042 passing yards and 26 touchdowns, both career highs, and a league-leading 104.7 passer rating.

Washington Redskins / Football Team

In the 2018 season, Alex Smith was traded to the Washington Redskins on January 30, and the trade became official on March 14.

He signed a four-year, $94 million contract extension. Smith had a strong start, leading Washington to a 6–3 record through the first nine games. However, his season was abruptly halted on November 18 when he suffered a spiral and compound fracture in his right leg during a game against the Houston Texans.

The injury led to life-threatening complications, including necrotizing fasciitis and sepsis, requiring 17 surgeries over nine months.

Smith’s journey is a remarkable tale of resilience. Placed on the team’s PUP reserve list in 2019, he missed the entire season due to a severe injury. Despite doubts, Smith affirmed his intent to return in early 2020. His recovery was documented in ESPN’s Project 11, aired in May 2020.

In July 2020, Smith was cleared by doctors to resume football activities and was activated on August 16. His first game appearance since the injury was against the Rams in Week 5, stepping in after Kyle Allen’s arm injury.

Though Washington lost, Smith’s return was significant. In Week 9, after Allen’s dislocated ankle, Smith threw for 325 yards, a touchdown, and three interceptions against the Giants.

He achieved career highs with 38 completions for 390 yards against the Lions in a narrow loss.

Smith secured his first win post-injury against the Bengals, leading Washington to a 23-17 upset victory over the Steelers in Week 13.

However, a bone bruise sidelined him for the rest of that game and the next two. He returned in Week 17, helping Washington clinch the NFC East with a win over the Eagles.

Despite not playing in the Wild Card loss to the Buccaneers, Smith was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year by multiple organizations. Waived on March 5, 2021, he retired on April 19 and received the George Halas Award.

Broadcasting career

Smith joined ESPN in August 2021 to serve as an NFL analyst for SportsCenter and Monday Night Countdown, among other network programs.

Social Media Accounts

FAQs About Alex Smith

How much money did Alex Smith make in his career?

$189.7 million.

But his career was put in jeopardy during the 2018 season when he suffered a gruesome broken leg. After returning to action briefly in 2020, Smith won Comeback Player of the Year before retiring in the 2021 off-season.

What does Alex Smith do for a living now?

He retired after his incredible recovery, regarded as one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history. Alex has become a leader in the sports community, a recognized TED talk speaker, and an ESPN Monday Night Football Analyst. Smith is now a UCAN investor, ambassador, and member of our Fitness Advisory Board.

Did Alex Smith ever win a playoff game?

Alex Smith won twice in the playoffs in his career.

How many pro bowls does Alex Smith have?

He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection, and he was named the recipient of the 2020 NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award after recovering from a life-threatening injury to his leg. Currently residing in Atherton, California, Smith works as an ESPN analyst and public speaker.

How much did Alex Smith get paid?

2018-2022 Extension, Alex Smith signed a four-year, $94,000,000 contract with the Washington Redskins, including a $27,000,000 signing bonus, $71,000,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $23,500,000.

Conclusion

Alex Smith’s journey from the football field to a prosperous financial life is inspiring. His achievements, resilience, and strategic decisions have made him a role model. For more insights, visit NFL Player Fortune and join the conversation by leaving comments or sharing the article.