Jay Gruden ‘anxious to get started’ with new Redskins QB Alex Smith

As far as coach Jay Gruden is concerned, the Washington Redskins’ offseason has been a success.

It began with the trade that sent quarterback Alex Smith from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Redskins.

‘Our offseason’s going well’

Gruden is more than pleased to have Smith as his new starter, replacing Kirk Cousins, who left for the Minnesota Vikings in free agency.

“Our offseason’s going well,” Gruden told Jim Miller and Pat Kirwan on Movin’ The Chains at the NFL meeting in Orlando, Fla. “Obviously, the big trade with Alex, getting him in the building and anxious to get started to work with him, finally, April 16.”

‘We can learn from his experiences’

Smith doesn’t merely bring the ability to make big plays with his arm and his leg. He also brings 13 seasons of NFL experience. That will allow Smith to do as much teaching as he does learning.

“We can learn from his experiences,” Gruden said. “He can add some things that he’s very comfortable with and things that I like and we’ll just come up with a good plan. I’m excited to work with him. I’ve never had an opportunity to work with somebody this experienced and this proven and athletic.”