"Everything changed for the Kansas City Chiefs on April 27, 2017. That day, via trade with the Buffalo Bills, they moved up 17 spots to draft quarterback Patrick Mahomes with the 10th pick. But selecting the Texas Tech star was just half the story. Days prior, coach Andy Reid told then-starting quarterback Alex Smith -- a Pro Bowler the previous season -- the Chiefs had spent a considerable amount of time before the draft identifying and targeting a specific quarterback."
"The surprise for Smith was just how much the Chiefs moved up to get Mahomes. The Chiefs' effort to get him made it clear to Smith the 2017 season would likely be his last in Kansas City. But what Smith did once Mahomes became a Chief, according to many in the organization, is the moment the franchise's dynastic run began."
The Chiefs traded up 17 spots with the Buffalo Bills on April 27, 2017, to select Patrick Mahomes at No. 10. Coach Andy Reid informed then-starter Alex Smith that the team had targeted a specific quarterback, signaling roster change. Instead of distancing himself, Smith consciously mentored and nurtured Mahomes, despite the rookie's presence effectively ending Smith's time in Kansas City. Reid recalled telling Smith to focus on his best season while Smith welcomed Mahomes into his world. Mahomes became starter in 2018 and the Chiefs established themselves as the league's dominant franchise, appearing in five of the past six Super Bowls.
Read at ESPN.com
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