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.