Doug Pederson: 'Alex Smith is the best quarterback in the NFL'

Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Doug Pederson has described Alex Smith as the "best in the league".

The AFC West side acquired the quarterback in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers earlier this year, after Smith lost the starting role with the Super Bowl runners-up to Colin Kaepernick.

Pederson told the Kansas City Star: "Ultimately, every team has to have a quarterback. I think we have the best in the league.

"There are a lot of great ones but over time, Alex has proven he can get it done. He's a sharp guy, he brings a wealth of knowledge, he's experienced, he's a proven winner the last couple of years, and he needs a team to embrace him."

Smith spent eight years with the 49ers, having been the number one pick in the 2005 draft.