Report: Washington wants Alex Smith back for 2021

The Washington Football Team seems impressed not only by Alex Smith's comeback story, but by his level of play.

Head coach Ron Rivera and his staff want Smith back for the 2021 campaign, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.

The veteran quarterback has yet to indicate whether he intends to play beyond this season after making his way back from a major leg injury. Smith is under contract through 2022 and is set to earn $19 million next year.

Rivera said last week that Smith could "possibly" be his team's quarterback of the future following an impressive first start. Washington wants him back both to serve as a mentor to younger players and because his recent play warrants an opportunity to start, according to Rapoport.

In two starts and two relief appearances, Smith has completed 68% of his passes for 918 yards, two touchdowns, and four interceptions.

The 36-year-old suffered a gruesome leg injury that nearly required amputation in Week 5 of the 2018 season.

Washington also rosters Dwayne Haskins and Kyle Allen at quarterback, though the club could be in a position to draft one early in the first round next year if it doesn't win the NFC East.