Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith has admitted that contract talks between himself and the club may have to quieten down as the new season approaches.
Despite being out of contract when the season ends, neither party seems in any rush to finalise an extension, meaning that the on-field action may soon take precedence in the forefront of Smith's mind.
Smith is set to earn $7.5m (£4.4m) during the upcoming campaign, as he bids to lead the Chiefs into the post-season for the second year running.
He told the Kansas City Star: "You're getting to the point where either way, you want it to stop being a distraction. You guys know how I feel about this, and it's the truth.
"You're finally gonna cross a line where it's like, it's just football from here on out and I'm done not only talking about it with you guys, but even behind the scenes as well.
"We talk about eliminating distractions and that's a part of it. The focus needs to be on ball."
Smith played 15 times for the Chiefs last season, throwing for over 3,300 yards and 23 touchdown passes.
Joe McPhee
