The Kansas City Chiefs finally have stability at the quarterback position as they signed Alex Smith to a four-year contract extension, according to reports. The Kansas City Star reports that the deal is worth a total of $68 million, $17 million a year, with $45 million in guaranteed money.

Smith was acquired from the San Francisco 49ers last season for two second-round draft picks in 2013 and 2014. He led the Chiefs to an 11-4 record last year, a nine-win turnaround from 2012. Instead of worrying about losing Smith to free agency after this season, this deal keeps him in Kansas City until 2018.

"It was a priority of ours to get this deal done and keep Alex in a Chiefs uniform long-term," Chiefs general manager John Dorsey said in a statement. "Alex is a proven leader on and off the field. He is a special individual with a lot of ability, and we are fortunate to have him here."

Smith, 30, threw for career-highs of 3,313 yards and 23 touchdowns in his first season with Kansas City. The Chiefs were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs in a 45-44 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, though Smith played exceptionally well with playoff-game franchise records of 378 yards, four touchdowns, 30 completions and 46 attempts.

"Alex is a smart, talented football player that has adapted well to our offensive scheme," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "He also, obviously, has had a tremendous amount of success as a quarterback in this league. We as a team are very happy to have Alex as our quarterback moving forward."

Kansas City hopes Smith will eventually be able to lead the team to its first playoff win in 20 years.