The race for quarterback Alex Smith continues. Teams are beginning to be eliminated and a clear frontrunner has emerged. With deals with the Browns and Jaguars falling through, the Arizona Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs were the likely targets. Now it is down to the Kansas City Chiefs, after the Cardinals have reportedly been taken out of the race.

As San Francisco looks to trade the backup quarterback, two teams emerged from the back as the clear leader. However, Jason La Confora of CBS Sports reports that the Arizona Cardinals are no longer in the mix after not having enough to offer the 49ers in a deal. The Cardinals and the 49ers are in the same division, so it was unlikely they would trade a promising quarterback to a rival team.

Now, it is Kansas City's race to lose. A trade for Smith makes the most sense for the state their team is in currently. For San Francisco, shipping Smith off to the AFC would work nicel since they would only see him every four years.

The Chiefs need a signal caller. After a 2-14 season, they need a quarterback that can step up and start to lead a struggling offense. Matt Cassel and Brady Quinn have yet to perform well and Smith would be a definite upgrade from both quarterbacks. Smith would offer up veteran leadership and playoff experience. Before being benched last season, he was the highest rated passer in the league. 

With Andy Reid as the new head coach, he will run a West Coast style of offense, something that Smith will shine in. His offense relies heavily on accuracy and rhythm, two things the quarterback does well at. Smith posted a 63.6 quarterback rating in 2012, something Reid would be thrilled to take on. 

A trade for Smith could prove fruitful for Kansas City if they are able to retain top receiver, Dwayne Bowe. Getting Smith at quarterback could be enough pull to make the upcoming free agent stay. They also have young talent in Dexter McCluster and Jamaal Charles that could set the team up for the future.