The Facts: The decision came down to this: Smith was available and the Redskins wanted stability at QB. They had other options; none appealed to them as much as trading for Smith. The move was announced Jan. 30 and became official on Wednesday. “It became about how, going into free agency, are we going to chase Kirk (Cousins) around or go after Teddy Bridgewater,” HC Jay Gruden said. “You have a chance to get an established quarterback who has been as successful as [Smith] has been, consistently. So really it was a no-brainer.”

Diehards Line:The Redskins couldn’t comment on the trade until it became official so Gruden’s comments represent the organization’s first words on their new quarterback. The Redskins get an established quarterback in Smith, who turns 34 in May. In five years with Kansas City, Smith threw 102 touchdowns to 33 interceptions in helping the Chiefs go 50-26 in his starts. In the playoffs, Smith and the Chiefs went 1-4. Smith topped 4,000 passing yards last season for the first time in his career; Cousins accomplished that each of the past three seasons. Smith has more mobility than Cousins. “That’s something you can’t coach,” Gruden said. One aspect of Smith’s game has been picked apart many times: His willingness to throw down the field. Last season, however, Smith attempted a career-best 59 passes that traveled at least 20 yards through the air (tying him for 10th in the NFL). There’s also Smith’s age. The Redskins acquired Donovan McNabb when he was 33; he didn’t age well and the trade backfired. “This guy is in unbelievable shape,” Gruden said of Smith. Which is what Gruden and the Redskins hope they are at quarterback.