Urban Meyer: Jags Interested In QB Alex Smith

While Gardner Minshew and C.J. Beathard are ready to back up first overall pick Trevor Lawrence, the Jags just might also have their eyes on former 49ers, Chiefs and Redskins QB Alex Smith.

New Jags coach Urban Meyer mentioned recently on Michael Irvin's podcast that he has interest in bringing in Smith as a mentor for Lawrence -- and a possible backup.

“I wanted him here,” Meyer said, via USAToday.com.

“You know, we talked to him about joining here. He’s had a tough injury. Of all the players I’ve ever coached -- and I would tell people this when people didn’t know how tough he was -- he’s one of the toughest cats I’ve ever been around."

Smith was the 2020 NFL Comeback Player of the Year. After a horrific injury, he began as the third-string in Washington, only to work his way into starting six games, going 5-1 in those starts, throwing six touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Right now, Smith continues to sit on the open market as free agency continues in the NFL. The New York Jets, Jags, Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos are currently listed as the favorites to ink Smith prior to the start of the season.

"We had conversations with him. There are some medical people in our organization that were very concerned," Meyer said.

"Remember, our G.M. actually drafted Alex at San Francisco. So you have two people in Jacksonville that love Alex. That was deeper than a player now. He’s like our family. Both of us feel so strongly about them. But that’s something that we’re just going to keep an eye on because I hope he comes back.”

As Meyer points out, there is a chance that Smith may simply decide to retire, which is why it's critical for the club to keep Minshew and Beathard as insurance policies.