Alex Smith wants the 49ers to release him, and I want a million dollars

As you probably know, NBC reported Monday morning Alex Smith wants the 49ers to release him before free agency starts in March.

Sure, and I’d like to win the Powerball Lottery, too.

Here’s a more realistic offseason scenario for Smith: After the smoke clears from Super Bowl week, he or his agent can give the 49ers a list of teams which Smith finds desirable, and the Niners can see if they are able to work out a trade for draft picks this year and *conditional draft picks in 2014.

That way, the 49ers get something in return for Smith – a sure pick in this coming draft in April (lucky to be a third rounder), and an “if” deal for another pick or picks in 2014 predicated on Smith’s performance.

If Smith comes through for his new club, the Niners get more, and if Smith doesn’t deliver, the team that traded for him doesn’t get stuck overpaying.

*The conditional pick is normally floated as a sixth rounder that escalates to a third or second rounder the following draft based on Smith’s various achievements like playing time, playoff qualification, pass attempts, etc.

Also, there is usually an injury clause attached to the conditional pick, so if Smith goes down, the conditional pick is less than if he had stayed healthy, but more than if he had stayed healthy and not achieved the escalators in the trade agreement.

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275 Responses to Alex Smith wants the 49ers to release him, and I want a million dollars

  1. Neal says:

    Makes sense to me Grant, the Niners have to pay Smith a Million buckaroos, no matter what the situation dictates.

    • Darren says:

      ninermd, i don’t know what kind of a 49er fan you are, but I’m sure you got boondoggled into Jed York’s family, Harbaugh, and where the team is at. If you feel what happened to Smith is a great thing for the team, then you are the worse 49er fan ever that Damon Bruce should slap around. I will never in my lifetime ever embrace Jed York unless he apologizes to the 49er fans what his mom and dad did to the team adn Harbaugh should apologize for what he did to Alex Smith. You are so full of Alex hate. Sure, I may be full of CK hatred, but I see CK as a job stealer and a man that cannot pass for 300 yards. If this team is down 17-0 as they were to Falcons, you run the ball? you don’t pass, you run the ball to rally? So I guess if you’re down 6 to 3, you’ll march down, set up for a 40 yard FG and watch Akers miss and fail to take us to overtime. Do me a favor, ninermd, don’t you dare come to the 49er parade if you’re going to razz on ALex Smith. I’m glad the 49ers drafted him. He did nothing wrong to be treated like this, and I hope ninermd, I hope someday your boss at work fires you for doing such a good job.

      • Kremlin says:

        ninermd is a fraud, he is no niner fan just a lost soul looking for something to hold on to so he can express the hate he was born with.

        Nothing good has ever come from ninermd’s life

        One Sunday evening a guy met ninermd in a bar. ninermd was very unhappy. ‘life is terrible, everything in the world is really boring’, he said. ‘Don’t say that, said the other man. ‘life is wonderful! The world is so exciting! Think about Italy. It’s wonderful country. Have you ever been there? ‘Oh, yes. ninermd said- I went there last year and I didn’t like it’. ‘well have you ever seen the Norway? Have you ever seen the midnight sun? ‘Oh, yes. I went there for my honeymoon and we saw the midnight sun. I didn’t enjoy it’. ‘well, I have just returned from a safari in Africa. Have you visited Africa yet? ‘Yes, I went on safari in east Africa last year and I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. It was really boring’. ‘well, said the other man, ‘I think that you’re very ill. Only the best psychiatrist can help you. Go to see Dr greenbaum in Harley street’. ‘But I am Dr greenbaum’. Answered ninermd sadly.

      • ninermd says:

        Yes. What kind of fan and I to want my team in the Superbowl. Oh my horrible fan. And look below onelame still up to his old useless posts. It’s killing you onelame. Everything I’ve told you from day 1 has hit you now. Alex smith is a decent qb. But by no means is he a cold blooded ASSASIN like you’ve always believed. Keep your crow onelame. Because you and bs are THEE biggest jokes on this blog. Wheeeeew! #questforsix/CK

      • Ubong says:

        At the end of the day Alex will always have a spot in niner land.

        He was +.500 and won big games that gave niner fans chills

        http://vimeo.com/44971571

        The video confirms this.

      • Adam says:

        “Sure, I may be full of CK hatred…”

        Our first CK hater! Awesome. Well at least this won’t get old. Now, go get three friends and you can take over for the Smith haters next season.

      • sfarnell says:

        you and AS need to get a room.

  2. old coach says:

    Grant that sounds like a realistic scenario. I asked you a week or 2 ago whether or not you thought the 9ers were more likely to release or trade Smith, you answered you thought they would release him. What has happened since then to change your mind

    • Grant Cohn says:

      I’ve realized Smith is worth a late-third or fourth round pick in 2013. There aren’t many intriguing quarterbacks in the draft and there more than a few teams that need QBs.

  3. hector says:

    I said ask for a 3rd round pick in exchange but if there is no response for that pricetag then go with 4th for no less and then conditional could increase as 3rd if he plays as starter whole season and 2nd if he goes to playoffs.

  4. Alex says:

    Grant, I think you’re underestimating a huge point to this situation. If a team knows the Niners are not willing to pay Smith 8 mil next year, then why would they trade for him. It wouldn’t make sense to do that, unless they believed he was a Franchise QB….I’m not sure any team really believes that.

  5. AES says:

    AS should have decent trade value given his last season and half.

  6. Dh3 says:

    Grant that sounds like the best scenario for both parties…smith and his agent are crazy if he thinks we are just gonna let him go without at least trying to put a trade together and I’m sure there’s a few teams that will covet smith

  7. Ray says:

    I would love to see the Niners build a big lead on Sunday then put Alex into the game to get a huge ovation from the Niner fans in the Superdome, since it undoubteldy will be his last time in the red and gold.

    • Bayareafanatic says:

      They would have to be winning by at least 28 points in the 4th for that to happen.
      Basically, not gonna happen. This isn’t about some Cinderella story, this is the superbowl. Lets just focus on winning it. Not getting Rudy in for the last play of the game.

  8. Brodie2Washington says:

    I wonder if leaking the release request will diminish the 49ers bargaining power. Hope not.

    The 49ers already have 2 picks in the third round (and possibly a 3rd compensatory pick.) 4 picks in the third would be great trading down bait for teams needing a re-build.

    Might be better for the 49ers to ask for 2014 picks since they have 14 in this draft.

    • AngusinCanada says:

      I expect that come the draft, the 49ers will trade several of the picks for 2014 picks. There’s only so many roster spots available on this team including the practice squad, and a lot of the picks would be essentially wasted.

  9. old coach says:

    HEY bay you can talk bad about A. Smith if you want. You can Say horrible things about Singletary or Nolan if it floats your boat. You can even rip the president of the United States. Just lay off of Rudy. I’m sorry if i came on strong but its Rudy

  10. Crab15 says:

    All we needed was an Alex distraction this week. NBC is jealous that CBS has Super Bowl so they had to try some kind of disruption. Lol

    • BennyBlanco says:

      Really a non-story… worst thing Alex could do is stir the pot right now. He’ll continue to be the ideal teammate and not hurt his chances of landing somewhere desirable next year.

  11. JMartinez says:

    Trade him and draft pick for revis.. jets need a QB as bad as anyone

    • Ed from AZ says:

      That’s actually a clever trade proposal, but Revis’ salary is way too high for this team to take on!

    • matt says:

      I don’t think that is very feasible. Sf has shown that they can deliver wins without a shutdown Corner that demands as much money as Revis (who is coming off an ACL tear).
      I believe SF either gets a trade together for Smith or they keep him on. 9 million between the two QBs is really not a bad price to pay. As Grant has pointed out there aren’t any real starting options in the draft. Sf isn’t likely to ship off a solid starter for a provisional pick without a backup plan.

  12. Darren says:

    What if Smith wants to play for Arizona and be with his pal Adam Snyder?

    • Msclemons67 says:

      I don’t think Smith would do well in Arians’ offense. Not a good fit at all. Chuck-and-pray isn’t Alex’ style of play.

    • NinerClassic says:

      Then that would be 2 automatic wins. Works for me. NOBODY is afraid of an offense that has Alex as their QB!!

  13. old coach says:

    The damn Super Bowl needs to start soon or we are going to be commenting on who the 9ers should pick with their first pick in the 2014 draft or should we be grooming a replacemnt for Harbaugh if he retires after the 2025 season [i was thinking maybe Alex Smith]

    • Brodie2Washington says:

      Smith for OC or HC, Gore for running backs coach, Moss for receivers coach, Whitner for DB coach, Justin Smith for strength and conditioning, Brooks for linebacker coach, Goodwin coaches the O-line…

    • Darren says:

      And with the 31st pick, the 49ers take…
      Nooooooooooooobody!

      • AngusinCanada says:

        LOL! That’s the funniest post I’ve read by Darren. I’ll never comment, or likely read, another one from him.

  14. Big Suede says:

    At first- my reaction was the niners should just let the guy go- be good to a QB who has suffered quite a bit and gave us a great last two years.

    And i would still say that now- EXCEPT arizona is out there without a QB- and if it gets into a bidding war- i could see Arizona acting very desperate. And Alex Smith would likely enjoy throwing to Fitzgerald- that would be a horrific

    And I know Alex smith is more worth a 2nd round pick and maybe an additional 3rd- the guy is very good in a year when there are no other options. 4-5 teams have Alex Smith on their radar and they want him.

    That being said- i think the niners should just ask alex where he wants to go. And the place he chooses- go to the team and tell them you want a 7th round pick- thats it. No team would argue with that- the 7th round picks are unimportant and you that helps Smith out- he can always renegotiate his contract with the new team

    ALSO- it saves the niners an extra million in cap room- which is important- every little bit helps.

    • Darren says:

      Suppose Smith says I want to go to Arizona, what then? you tell him it’s against the rules? Well, the way they benched him should be against the rules to, so I say let Arizona have Smith to call it even for messing with his career and Smith gets 2 ops to beat Harbaugh.

  15. rocket says:

    Good scenario Grant. Most likely there will be interest in trading for him due to the fact he has a really undermarket contract for a starting QB. What you can’t predict is how teams feel they can do if given a shot at him in FA. I’d love to see the team get something for him but I don’t know if it’s realistic considering everyone knows the Niners won’t keep him at that number.

    This is where a conditional pick can bridge the gap. You get him at a reasonable deal and only have to give up a high pick if he produces for you. This could be the way it goes down.

    • Darren says:

      Sure, they’ll trade him to a team that SMITH does not want to go to. I know how these work. They’ll ransom a team into giving them an undesirable pick like another 7th rounder. You’re all on SMACK if you think that Smith is going to be traded for a 1st round or a 3rd. And no conditional pick either.

  16. Darren says:

    Tell me why the 49ers should trade Smith when:
    they had bad coaching
    OC
    players
    Benched him for a concussion?
    Lied to him about being the Qb?
    Gave him a bad contract that should be illegal and investigated by Goodell?
    They went after Peyton and lied to him?
    Why should the 49ers get anything? All they’re doing is manipulating the NFL and that’s just wrong. Alex Smith is doing the right thing, let him get his release. THe 49ers deserve nothing just like when they ask who has it better then them? nobody should mean you don’t reward bad behavior.

    And that my friends is football, not trolling.

    • sfarnell says:

      I’ll tell you why. Football is a meritocracy and a business. No place for sentimentality. Maybe you should find another sport to follow. Or is it that you don’t really like football and are only a Smith fan.

    • Houston 9er says:

      OneNiner? Is that you?

      • Kremlin says:

        I see you are still chasing oneniner in your head old man.

      • Houston 9er says:

        Nah, not really chasing. Oneniner has been the dark side of this blog for many years. He goes by many names but you can easily see his posts by the hatred and edge of sanity feel to them. If this is the same Darren character from 4 or 5 years ago then many pe0ple thought Darren and OneNiner were the same person.

    • EcoEnrico says:

      Darren

      Why did you get off the suicide watch? Walk the walk dude.

  17. Brotha Tuna says:

    The idea of AS to Philly wasn’t one I was considering. If Kelly is going to put in something pretty radical on offense then Foles could be a liability. Even though Alex is more athletic than generally given credit, wouldn’t you opt for Vick in that instance? It could be a cure for Vick.
    I’m not sure how rad Kelly will be; he’s NOT going to be able to duplicate his Eugene Circus, but even within a more traditional Pro Spread he seems like an aggressive guy. I’m no Hater, but is Alex THAT guy?
    If Kelly does hire Donatell then he’s plenty smart; serious upgrade.

  18. old coach says:

    Good news on Barrows blog Justin Smith says his arm is feeling better each week and he will be able to play with more abandon this week knowing he only has 4 quarters left.

  19. ninermd says:

    Ok I always thought he was a class act and he always was, but to drop this kind of distraction the week before the Superbowl is a punk move. He will forever be tarnished in my eyes now. It’s his agent and his agent speaks for him. So I don’t want to hear about it being his agent stirring this stuff up. 7 days could have been a better time.

    Darren says:
    January 28, 2013 at 12:16 pm
    I’m clapping for SMith to Arizona. I love this idea.

    I am too. Those are two easy wins.

    • Adam says:

      I’ve been listening to espn radio all morning and watched NFL net this morning, looks like NBC is the only one reporting it? May be bs. Who knows?

    • Msclemons67 says:

      Ninermd I doubt Smith said anything or wanted anything said. This is an agent or some such.

      • BigP says:

        Who works for who?

      • Brotha Tuna says:

        Agree. This isn’t how Alex operates this week.
        Agent, Agent’s lackey, some scribe who was supposed to keep it on background for a while…….
        Revealing this week in no way helps AS or his agent.

      • ninermd says:

        Msc…. Alex had to have told his agent his wishes. And his agent who HE hired opened his trap as it sounds. First off Smith has no bite to want anything from an organization who kept his career alive. Whoever thinks they owe him anything is dreaming. After Sunday the story will get out and we will find out who said what. In the mean time I remember him acting like somewhat of a diva when the manning gate story came out. And threatened to sign with Miami.

        Think about this…. He gets injured other guy comes in and takes his job because he’s better. Smith has on record came out and stated things like “all I did was get injured” or is be lying if I said I wasn’t a little upset” those are some things that Smith never would have or Didnt before when he was benched. If you don’t think Smith isn’t ticked off about being benched then I’m surprised. He’s not happy and this statement by his agent who Smith trusts doesn’t reach the surface till Monday. IMO he being a *itch about it and its a distraction. Plain and simple. If he cared about the team like he use to he should say I never said that and fire his agent ASAP!

      • rocket says:

        Smh. Not a single fact or truth to anything in this post. Just assumptions, and ignorance.

      • claude balls says:

        @ ninermd:

        I see someone acting like a *itch, and it isn’t Alex Smith.

        I must admit, however, that your periodic fits of manufactured outrage are amusing. Are you still campaigning for Joe Staley to be traded after the season? He had the audacity to grin/grimace after a turnover! He’s a traitor!

      • Kremlin says:

        lol…..its sad and pathetic how ninermd is still infatuated with Alex.

    • BigP says:

      Yeah,
      It’s a douche move to let this get out now, no doubt. Wait till next Monday.

    • jdilla says:

      lol. yeah he all of a sudden came to this realization the week of the superbowl. comon, you’re smarter than this. where is the accountability for the media, who are obviously looking for ways to distract the 49er team and fans. I’m sure he wanted to be released ever since Harbaugh made the switch official. non story for me personally.

    • rocket says:

      Another example of people jumping to conclusions and overreacting based on a vague report from an un-named source. Seriously md, you are such a drama Queen sometimes. Have you ever heard Smith say anything remotely controversial? The guy has done nothing but talk about how happy he is for his teammates and has been like another Coach for Kap, yet you are ready to believe he and his agent decided to intentionally stir sh*t up a few days before the SB? Use some common sense instead of believing everything you hear.

      • AngusinCanada says:

        Rocket is talking sensible here.

      • ninermd says:

        Right because the media doesn’t ever know what they’re talking about once in awhile. Kind of like manning gate… Right rocket? That was a farce to remember? It doesn’t matter if Smith said it. It’s his agent he hired. Without him opening his mouth this news doesn’t get out out there. Open your mind for once rocket. We will see in a week if this is just talk or truth. And so far you’re batting 0-1 bud.

      • Jdilla says:

        ninermd, put aside your past feelings on smith and think rationally on this one. ill take your view. his agent makes these comments to profootballtalk, a notorious football gossip site, the week before the superbowl. Ok, how does this benefit their future negotiations in the offseason? It doesn’t. This is a non story created to stir up controversy. It happens all the time, the media never changes. This isn’t some revelation only discovered this week. Speculation about what Smith would want began the very week the switch was official, many weeks ago. It only becomes news because we are in the superbowl.

      • bayareafanatic says:

        Dilla,
        straight and simple. Smith’s agent is attempting to generate interest.
        If there is no interest then there is no bidding war. If there is no bidding war then only the one making the offer has leverage.
        Smith has only one chance to be on a halfway decent team. Cleveland if they want him.
        NFL teams look at every stat possible. Here is one big stat that pops out, when facing pressure Smith had the lowest QB rating in the entire league. Soooooo you think a team with a marginal Oline is going to attempt to pick him up?

      • ninermd says:

        Dilla my past feelings for Alex smith have been gone since last season. As the player of course. We don’t know if its media or truth. But one things for sure. It leaked and Smith isn’t happy about his benching. Like I said if he doesn’t want it to distract the team or look like he’s thinking of himself he should come out when questioned about it and deny or fire his agent. Do I have any doubt that he will deny it? Nope. Do I have any doubt that he’s telling the truth if he did deny it? Nope. This is just another reason I can’t wait for him to move on. I wish him luck but I’m sick of hearing about the Alex smith story. You are the company you keep. If its his agent he should clearly state that he Didnt want it to get out until after the game. He has fault in this story too.

      • ninermd says:

        I’m guessing Smith wants his release to try and get a headstart on finding a new team to avoid the problem he faced last year when there were few options other than signing with the Niners by the time the news about Manning went public….. Rocket!

        Looks like someone bought the news too. So does this mean you’re a drama queen too rocket? Or does smith get a pass with this kind of distraction?

      • Jdilla says:

        I hear ya. I guess my point is haven’t we been talking about what he will do ever since the switch happened. This isn’t new news. He did an interview a few days after it happened saying he wasn’t happy, but he’s going to support Kap and help the team win in any way he can. IMO when you say it is a punk move and he will forever be tarnished, is pretty harsh and unfair. However, how you feel is how you feel so I respect that. I think he’s handled the situation about as well as anyone could. He could have gone the brandon jacobs route.

      • rocket says:

        Md,

        Seriously take a deep breath, give your head a shake and for once think before you type.

        Where in the post you quoted from me does it say anything about the news leaking now? It doesn’t because it had nothing to do with this. I was speculating that Smith will want to be released as opposed to being traded. That doesn’t take a long time to figure out because any player in his position would want the same thing. He doesn’t want to be left with few options the way he was last year.

        The subject at hand is you believing for some asinine reason, that Smith or his agent would be the source of the story on PFT. Try to keep up.

        Now think about this for more than the second you normally take to form an opinion. Smith needs the Niners to do him a favor to get what he wants which is his release. In what universe does it make sense to leak info you know will piss off the party you need to agree to your request?

        Add to that Smith has always been a consumate team player who has never been a malcontent or given a sound bite remotely controversial, and your scenario above is absolute nonsense.

      • Kremlin says:

        did someone just ask ninermd to think rationally. (lol)

        to paraphrase the title on this page.

        ninermd wants to think rationally and i want a million dollars.

      • ninermd says:

        Nice try Rocket.
        And Kremlin/onelame and Claude… Ck took us to the big game. I’m excited how about you two? Lol

      • Houston 9er says:

        I seriously doubt Smith would intentionally do anything to cause a distraction to his teammates. He may be mad at the coaching staff but he is a great teammate and I just can’t see him doing anything to hurt the team.

        Having said all that, does Smith still share the same agent with Peyton Manning? Purely conjecture on my part, but I could see Tom Condon perhaps trying to stick up for Alex after he completely screwed him in the Peyton Manning pursuit by the 9ers. Condon could perhaps see it as a way to save face with other clients who questioned his actions during his conflict of interest with Manning & Smith last offseason.

      • rocket says:

        Nice try with what md? I’ve been quite clear with my thoughts and comments whereas you are mired in assumptions and delusional conspiracies.

        Please come up with a compelling reason as to why Smith or his agent would do this, and how it could possibly help their situation in any way.

    • EcoEnrico says:

      This may Condon’s doing. He hasn’t always had Alex’s back. Remember the Peyton Manning fiasco? Condon represnted both QBs but was doing things in the back without Alex’s knowledge.

      I bet Condon wanted to play hardball with the Niners to release Alex. The Niners said no, so Condon leaked the info.

      • Darren says:

        How do you know this exactly? Did Condon want the 49ers benching his client and for what? Was Smith hurt? Did he throw bad passes? Lose the game? Disruptive? The answers are no. What they are doing to Alex, Goodell should void any kind of a trade and make the 49ers release Alex Smith.

  20. Neal says:

    Anybody know what makes a home team in the Super Bowl? Does it rotate each year with AFC and NFC or it is the better record?

  21. BigP says:

    Kwame Harris was arrested for beating up his boyfriend? Lol, over soy sauce and underwear. SMH.

    http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/01/28/former-niners-lineman-charged-with-assaulting-boyfriend/

  22. ninermd says:

    Ck and P Willis live on set at 4pm on total access NFL Network.

  23. old coach says:

    Kwame Harris is doing no favor for gay football players everywhere. Front offices have to think if all gay players are as bad as Harris was we arent drafting gay players. lets just hope Chilo Rachal doesnt come out.

    • Brotha Tuna says:

      Straight ballplayers have been accused more than once of beating up their partners, one A-Ho shot his girlfriend this year. I don’t think this has any special implications for gay athletes.
      You have a prospect that has anger issues, well that’s a ticking time bomb irrespective of orientation.

      • Grimey9er says:

        That dude had more problems than just being a wife beater. Remember he killed himself as well.

    • Grimey9er says:

      When is Jeff Garcia gonna come out?

    • Neal says:

      Stop with the bashing of Kwame Harris, he is one of the best gay O lineman the Niners ever had.

    • Neal says:

      How do we know if Kwame is the wife or the husband? Just throwing that out for deep conversation.

  24. ninermd says:

    “Pressure I feel like, comes from lack of preparation”CK…. gotta love this kids mind and focus on this game.

  25. Grimey9er says:

    ESPN insider column by Jaws about Kap. Copied and pasted for the benefit of the cheapskates out there.

    When it comes to the NFL, there is a focus on immediacy — the here and now. If guys can’t hack it on one Sunday, they’re replaced by the next. If a quarterback can control the game and guide his team to victory, he gets the nod the next week. Of course, that wasn’t the case with San Francisco 49ers QB Alex Smith. And that is why the world was so surprised to see Colin Kaepernick stick as the Niners’ starter even after Smith returned to health.

    Smith was 6-2 as San Francisco’s starter before he went down with a concussion in a game Nov. 11. With a 70.2 completion percentage, averaging nearly 8 yards per pass attempt, and a QBR of 70.1, Smith was having by far the best season of his career. Those numbers made coach Jim Harbaugh’s move to Kaepernick something of an anomaly. But now, on the eve of the Super Bowl, we’ve all seen what Harbaugh saw in practices and training camps the past two seasons. In Kaepernick, Harbaugh has a young, athletic and savvy quarterback who has all of the tools to become the best quarterback in the NFL.

    To be clear, Kaepernick has a lot to prove before he overtakes the likes of Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, but there is no question that he has the ability to do so.

    I won’t waste time further celebrating the physical traits that set Kaepernick apart as a rare talent at the quarterback position. We’ve all seen the powerful arm, the track-star speed and the pinpoint accuracy as he led the Niners to New Orleans. But I do want to note how few quarterbacks boast all of those attributes.

    Think of the elite young quarterbacks to whom you’d compare Kaepernick. Cam Newton has similar size and speed, but Kaepernick’s accuracy is superior both on tape and by the numbers (62.4 completion percentage in 2012 versus 57.7 for Newton). Robert Griffin III has the speed, the accuracy and the big arm, but he’s 25 pounds lighter. Ditto for Russell Wilson, who stands five inches shorter than Kaepernick. Andrew Luck may have a very underrated running element to his game, but it doesn’t compare to Kaepernick’s breakaway speed.

    When you add it all up, Kaepernick’s physical tools alone make him a nightmare for defensive coordinators because of all the ways he can hurt you. Crowd the line and he can burn you with a deep ball. Spy him with a linebacker or safety — that’s one less man in coverage — and Kaepernick still might beat him with pure speed alone. Play man-to-man underneath and he’ll take off at a sprint as soon as the linebackers turn their backs. Drop everyone into zone coverage and he has the accuracy — and the arm strength — to find the windows.

    I want to emphasize that last part because it’s a big change in the way we’ve seen NFL defenses play lately. With offenses leaning more and more on the passing game, we’ve seen defenses use more and more defensive backs. Forget for a second that the athleticism of defensive backs has improved just as markedly as at any other position — which it has — and simply realize that more bodies in the secondary means less space for a quarterback to fit in the football.

    The windows aren’t staying open indefinitely; defenses are slamming them shut faster than ever before. You don’t have wide open receivers these days unless someone has blown the coverage. That has put a premium on accuracy, but it also puts a premium on arm strength. You may have just a split second to fire a pass past the linebacker and defensive back sandwiching your receiver. I often hear arm strength questioned as a key attribute, and there have been times in NFL history where maybe it wasn’t as vital, but modern quarterbacks have to have the mustard to strike when they have that split-second opening. Kaepernick has that ability.

    Now that we’ve discussed how Kaepernick can hurt a defense in every way imaginable, how do you try to stop him? Essentially, defenses have to pick their poison.

    I’ve spoken previously about how the one certain way to disrupt a quarterback is to hit him. Well, when you try to hit Kaepernick, he can hit back by way of a long-distance touchdown run. That was the big threat, and precisely what the Atlanta Falcons tried to avoid in the NFC Championship Game.

    Take a look at the game film against Atlanta and you’ll see one of the cleanest postseason pockets. The Falcons tried not to over-rush the passer. They wanted to stay disciplined, try to pen him in and make Kaepernick beat them with his arm. Well, he did.

    Kaepernick completed more than 76 percent of his passes for 233 yards — 11.10 yards per attempt, his best mark as a starter — ran the ball just twice and earned a QBR of 92.6.

    What has made Kaepernick so deadly is his ability in the pre-snap phase of the game. The 49ers have an excellent running game. And it’s made all the better by Kaepernick’s ability to run the Niners’ backfield into optimal looks. Several times per game, I’ve seen the first-time starter audible his offense into and out of running plays to take advantage of the defensive schemes. Defenses have a tendency to play zone against him — to guard against the run — which makes the diagnosis a little easier, but still, it’s uncommon to see this from a first-year starter.

    Kaepernick must spend more time in the pocket and avoid taking big hits like the ones that sidelined RG III this season.
    So what’s standing in his way from becoming one of the league’s best and climbing to the top of my Quarterback Big Board? Primarily, time and experience. That’s it. But he also needs to stay away from the big hit.

    After just one season, I put a rookie QB — RG III — into the top 10 of my Big Board. Now Griffin needs major knee surgery and I don’t know how he’ll stack up going forward. Every time Kaepernick — or any QB — breaks from the pocket, there is an enhanced element of risk. It’s the reason I told ESPN Radio’s Mike Greenberg last Friday that I’d take Luck as my franchise QB over Kaepernick and the other phenomenal young signal-callers. There is just less risk of injury for a pocket passer.

    I believe that the ability of a QB to run is a terrific weapon in the modern NFL, but I don’t believe it can be a go-to, primary element of an offense. I still believe that quarterbacks must develop as capable pocket passers. You have a wall of five guys (all weighing more than 300 pounds) to protect you. Throwing the ball is still more effective than running it. That’s where the percentages are in a quarterback’s favor. The read-option is a nice changeup, but it should definitely be the exception and not the rule.

    Like most young quarterbacks — including the big three of Luck, Wilson and Griffin III this season — Kaepernick is being given a steady diet of simple reads. If receiver No. 1 isn’t open, move to No. 2. If he’s covered, tuck and run. We’re not seeing five-receiver progressions from the 49ers, in part because they don’t have to, given Kaepernick’s running ability. But we will over time.

    I believe that Kaepernick will develop into more of a pocket passer, which will help him make use of two of his great assets (his arm strength and accuracy) and alleviate some of the burden on his other great assets (his body and speed, both of which decrease with age). That development will help keep him healthy and keep him in the lineup — and winning games — for the 49ers. San Francisco will want to maximize his ability to help it win year in and year out, not squander it after a handful of seasons and multitude of downfield hits. If the Niners keep Kaepernick upright, he will flourish.

    With his tools, the sky is the limit. And if he continues to refine his game, when we look to that sky in the years to come, I believe we’ll see a shining star named Colin Kaepernick.

    • ninermd says:

      Lol I’d love to get it but I think espn thinks its the whole sports world as it is. My money they get none. Lol good read though.

      • Grimey9er says:

        They got me during the lead up to the draft last year. There’s been enough content for me to not regret it.

    • jdilla says:

      this comment has nothing to do with Kap, but Jaws is the most overrated analysts espn has. he thinks he was a philly all time great. hell, id take mcnabb any day over jaws.

      • mike says:

        Rod Martin, former LBer with the Raiders, still is remembered for not getting the MVP of that game in New Orleans for SB XV when Jaws threw him 3 picks. Everybody thinks Jaws was the second coming of Norm Van Brocklin for the Eagles, but look at the stats in the biggest game of modern time for the Eagles

    • AngusinCanada says:

      Good post Grimey, thanks!
      I like Jaws’ analysis. I recall when he went gaga over Mike Vick in Philly a couple years ago, when they killed I can’t remember who on MNF. Vick went on to fizzle, but the principle of the running threat to unbalance a defense is now being taken to new levels by Kaepernick.

      This is what Jaws was envisioning 2 years ago in Philadelphia.

      • Grimey9er says:

        Yeah it was Washington they torched(and they now have RGIII). Jaws is totally in love with arm strength so it’s natural he loves Kap, who is a million times better than Vick. Smarts, savvy, and work ethic count for a lot.

      • I.P. Daily says:

        Plus he doesn’t torture dogs… always a good sign in a QB…

    • KezarMike says:

      There’s a youtube video I downloaded yesterday of 2012 Kaep highlights (it’s about 7 and a half minutes). It’s a “wow” – especially considering he only had a few starts. Watched it 6 or 7 times yesterday. What is most startling is his pocket passing. Phil Simms mentioned recently that Kaep would be a top QB if he couldn’t run at all, just on his passing. Watch him fling that ball on target downfield – I’m 62 and man, he reminds me a bit of Namath with legs. And factor in all of the intangibles that Kaep has, coolness, leadership, smarts, hard work and yeah, the sky is the limit on this guy.

    • dangle says:

      thanks for the post grimey,
      I am one of the aforementioned cheapskates!

  26. Brotha Tuna says:

    Watching Jim Harbaugh’s Presser in NO. He seems relaxed and fairly patient with the questions, but LOL and bless his heart, he’s still not really answering all the questions.

  27. Razoreater says:

    I liked what I saw when they deboarded their plane. Only saw one player with the camcorder, every other player did not. They were not smiling or joking around. Looked like all they were interested in was the business at hand.

  28. 9er fan 4 ever says:

    Hey Darren take your act to LOSER . com they will love your ignorant rants !!!!!!!!!!!

  29. Heidelberg Slim says:

    I see Alex in KC. We did that before and it worked out for both parties…

  30. Stan says:

    You and Lowell aren’t there…and now Harbaugh is telling jokes,opening up about his son, rambling on.
    You think there is a connection?

  31. Brodie2Washington says:

    Looks like the 49ers offseason choices are…
    1-Lose Alex Smith + Gain draft choice(s)
    2-Lose Alex Smith

    Can you blame the 49ers if they choose option 1?

    The only wrinkle is if the compensatory pick awarded to the 49ers in an FA release would be equal or higher then a draft pick gained through trade.

  32. 23Jordan says:

    Personally I cant see a team trading for Smith. I certainly dont believe he’s worth 8.5 million. There is no way you trade for him. Ill bet that he does not get over 8.5 in free agency. NEVER!!

    • ninermd says:

      Ill bet you a nickel he does, because he’s getting traded.

      • 23Jordan says:

        Md,

        What team is going to trade for him? Why? Wait for free agency. Sign him to start for you for 4-5 mil.

      • ninermd says:

        I think he will work with the front office and pick his destination and they will end this marriage on a good note where both get something they want. That’s my gut feeling. Baalke has to get something for him. And I think he’s smart enough to work something out.

  33. Razoreater says:

    Aldon Smith voted team MVP. When asked who he voted for…Randy “straight cash homey” Moss.

  34. KezarMike says:

    We don’t REALLY know what the market is for Alex yet, especially what the GMs who need QBs think of him. That’s more important than what we think. I think he’s not only better than Matt Flynn, but of all the QBs who have been traded over the past 20 or so years (guys like Rob Johnson or Matt Shaub, who made their reps on a couple of starts), Alex has years of experience, and in the present has QB’d a winner, one all the way to the NFC championship game. But again, would the Chiefs or the Bills want to move to a 29 yo QB when their teams are not good. Alex would seem more suited to a team like the Pats if Brady went down. In any case, there have been many crazy trades when teams suddenly feel “QB desperate.” Here’s one for 49er fans from the 80s. The 49ers traded their backup of a couple of years, Matt Cavanaugh to the Eagles for TWO #2 draft choices. Now, if two or more teams REALLY want Alex, then he could fetch a #2 in 2014 as they compete for him. But you would think they could get a #3 for him. If only Al Davis was still alive …….

  35. KezarMike says:

    I’ve always enjoyed playing GM in the NFL. I think sometimes to get your team to the next level, you have to make a bold move, like Harbaugh did going to an obviously better player (and to me, that’s ALL the QB switch was about, nothing else). So, on that note….. the Vikings. I’m a big believer in what Brian Sabean would call “the window” philosophy of building sports teams where you maximize the chance your team has to win by getting the best players possible on the roster at the same time they are near or at their peak. Figure Adrian Peterson has two more years as one of the all time great RBs. Do you want to spend those two years developing Christisn Ponder? (and waste Peterson’s efforts) I say that it would be worth a #2 (or at worst, a #3 – hell, it would be worth a first round pick really) to get a proven QB, still young to lead the team while Peterson is at his peak. Who better than Alex would be available to them in 2014?

  36. Stan says:

    wow- THIS is about the WORST time imaginable to let that out. It has “I’m not part of this team” written all over it, if true. Benjamin Arnold like.

  37. 49er42 says:

    Kezar:
    I agree with you about the Vikings, but I think they would not be willing to give up a #2, at least not this year.
    Alex is worth $8M if Sanchez is getting $7M

  38. Mark says:

    You may want a million dollars, I’d just like you to shut up.

  39. Hoferfan67 says:

    “Source” is the operative word. AS is focused on the SB and I doubt it’s his agent. This is the same info that many here has discussed over the last 3-4 weeks. Just a headline grabber for SB week (not you Grant, but the original article). It’s evidently working since it’s trending on yahoo.

  40. Adam says:

    This headline is sort of misleading. The story says “Smith is expected to…” Not “wants”.

    • Hoferfan67 says:

      The initial article states a “source” which is always nebulous.

    • claude balls says:

      @ Adam:

      As you indicated, Smith hasn’t made any “demands.” There isn’t even a report that he has spoken to the 49ers on this topic. The story Grant linked to only says that:

      … a source with knowledge of the situation tells PFT that Smith is expected to seek his release before the start of free agency.

      Not knowing who the “source with inside information” is makes it difficult to evaluate the story. Often, PFT’s sources are agents, but this source doesn’t say Smith “will” ask for his release, only that he “is expected” to do so. Expected by whom?

      Moreover, I don’t see what advantage Condon would get out of leaking this to the media. I would imagine he’s going to be in New Orleans this week and will have ample opportunity to speak with numerous GMs. He also likely was in Mobile for the Senior Bowl along with just about every GM. He can gauge the market without creating an unnecessary distraction.

      • Hoferfan67 says:

        Claude, I agree.

      • rocket says:

        Claude,

        There is no advantage to leaking this info and that is why it’s ludicrous for people to suspect Smith or his agent of doing it.

        As I said above, if you want the team to grant your request the last thing you are going to do is leak info to make them angry.

    • Adam says:

      I would assume this is a non-story everywhere else? Not one peep on the ESPN radio shows today. Matter of fact Cowherd talked with Drew Bledsoe about what a perfect teammate Smith is and that he’s going out of his way to be helpful. To back that up: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000132106/article/jim-harbaugh-alex-smith-big-help-to-colin-kaepernick

      Both agreed he’d be playing somewhere else next year, that his demeanor now is a job interview essentially for all the GMs out there.

      Again, the original story says it is “expected he will ask…” in other words, nothing at all has happened and of course that would be expected. “Wants” implies that there are demands being made and it’s somehow assumed that Smith is making this known right now.

      These assumptions are baseless until proven otherwise. It’s obvious to all that Smith will be going elsewhere, it’s logical that he would like to have a say in not landing on a dog like the Jets, for example. Makes sense. Also makes sense for the Niners to try to trade him. If you’re Smith, you hope no one bites on the trade so that there’s a bidding war for his services come FA time.

      It is expected I will soon fall asleep but it hasn’t happened yet ;)

  41. Sean in Canada says:

    I’d be shocked if this actually came from AS. Doesn’t seem like his style and he’s always been a team first guy. More likely a journalist making assumptions. I think AS will ask for his release but he’s not telling the media first just before the Super Bowl.

    • Prime Time says:

      This is comin from his ruthless agent Tom Condon. He picked the perfect time to address this during SB to spark some interest and controversy for his client.

    • chicago49er says:

      Sean, i was shocked to hear this news the week before the superbowl! I do not care if its Alex or his agent but if this story is true then i lost respect for both of them! They could have made this annoucement after the superbowl!

      • Sean in Canada says:

        Chicago, I think if we were to hear any grumbling from AS or his camp it would’ve been throughout the back half of the season when he lost his starting job. This just reeks of some bored journalist trying to get a scoop on something that most football people would assume is going to happen anyway. He’ll be traded or more likely released to save some cap room.

  42. chicago49er says:

    To my opinion Alex has been a complete professional throughout his career and I wish him the best! However, unlike some fans I do not feel sorry for Alex Smith! This franchise invested so much by drafting him number one overall and paid him so much money! Alex was not treated badly as some people have stated by Jim! This is a business just like another job! Alex has benefited finnacially by being drafted by 49ers and Jim H coaching has put him in a great position to play as a starter if he decides to leave the team! Just remember grass might appear greener on the other side!

    I personally trust Trent and Jim H to make the right decision. It would be great if Alex could take a pay cut and stay as a back up but I do not blame him if he thinks there are better opportunites for him to move on!

    GO NINERS

    • Sean in Canada says:

      Well said, chicago.

    • Hoferfan67 says:

      Chicago,

      Agree, they did pay him a lot of money and they also paid a lot of money to poorly qualified HCs as well. Yes it is a business. Each side will make their money.

    • Neal says:

      I blame Mike Nolan, a arrogant scum bag defensive coordinator that knows squat about choosing the right QB. Even Glenn Dickey said it was a bad pick when Nolan chose him, he knew more then Nolan.

      • Prime Time says:

        It started way before Nolan and Smith. I blame John York for firing Mooch and hiring Terry Donohue and Erickson. That started the organizations demise.

      • Neal says:

        That was one Bill Walsh mistake, brinking in a lazy ass in Terry Donohue, Mooch piss me off when we played so poorly and unaggressive against Tampa Bay, but Mooch was much better then Erickson, and the Knucklehead Mike’s.

      • OREGONINER says:

        Who’s Glenn Dickey?…Wasn’t he the writer that covered the Giants without going to the games?

  43. chicago49er says:

    Not to change the topic but how do you think we can stop Joe Flacco and Ray Rice in this game! Do we go with our 3-4 package! Do we play man to man or zone!

    • big niner says:

      Base 4-3 unless they go 4 wide. Man to man, bump on run type defense. They only time we go zone if its a zone blitz which we haven’t run all day. I hope they bring that look, blitz a LB and drop a DE. I also want to see the front d line standing up and bull rushing like JS does sometimes.
      On offense, I want to see play action off the pistol formation and I formations. I could also see some pitches to LMJ as he saw plenty of those in college.
      I think we can jam up their recievers at the LOS

      • claude balls says:

        @ big niner:

        The 49ers don’t play a base 4-3. They are a 3-4 team. If the Ravens go with 3 WRs, the 49ers will go 4-2-5.

        @ Chicago: The 49ers will do what they always do – rush 4 and cover with 7. They’ll generally play man underneath with the 2 safeties deep, but throw in some zone coverage on occasion, just to mix it up. In man coverage, Willis will cover the TE, and Bowman the RB. On a few plays, they’ll mix up the pass rush by having Aldon Smith or Brooks drop back in coverage and Willis blitz up the middle. If Rice stays into block, then Bowman also might come on a blitz.

        There will be a handful of plays in which they rush 3 and a handful in which they rush 5. If Fangio has wine for dinner, he might send 6 guys one time.

        As for Rice, they will count on the front 7 to contain him.

      • claude balls says:

        On offense, I hope the 49ers line Crabtree up on whatever side Cary Williams is playing and throw to Crabtree.

        https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2013/01/28/signature-stats-first-downs-allowed-cornerbacks/

    • chicago49er says:

      Nice read Claude, Thank you

  44. Fourth & Alex says:

    I find it interesting that Alex and/or his agent use the Super Bowl to float this bull$hit.

    Team player my a$$. What does bringing this up during Super Bowl week do anything but provide a distraction and extra attention to oneself?

    Nothing is going to change for him contract-wise between now and after the game is over.

    What a royal douche. He ate 50+ Million dollars in his first contract and did absolutely nothing. Zero.

    Now he has the balls to make his preferences known when the organization’s focus should be on the game? Especially when it serves no other purpose than to steal the media spotlight that should rightfully be on the rest of the team, who to a man has been way more valuable than Alex has ever been to this team.

    I hope he ends up holding a freaking clipboard rest of his days.

    • Prime Time says:

      Do you know for sure Smith circulated this intentionally? If not, pie hole meet 4th and punt!

      • Fourth & Alex says:

        You’re clearly naive, or maybe worse. If that’s Smith’s intention, who else but Smith and/or his agent would let anyone know about it? Do I need to spell out how this works? As if the advantage of a media circus at the Super Bowl isn’t enough of a motive.

      • Prime Time says:

        I think the agent might have had something to do with it but as far as Smith, nothin the guy has done in all the years in SF demonstrates a move like this in being a distraction.
        You might need to spell it out for yourself because the last thing Smith wants is to look like a total douche right before media day and during the entire Superbowl week.

      • Fourth & Alex says:

        Fair enough.. but something tells me he or his agent will say next that they didn’t leak that story, but essentially the damage is done and they got the attention they wanted.

      • claude balls says:

        I am curious. Exactly what damage do you think has been done?

      • Prime Time says:

        Maybe but the team won’t let it be a distraction and the game Sunday is what everyone including you me and Alex should be focused on!

      • rocket says:

        fourth and alex,

        but essentially the damage is done and they got the attention they wanted.

        Why would they want attention? What good does it do Alex Smith to have this news leaked to the media? The Niners hold the power, they know what he wants through direct contact with his agent. Smith and his agent don’t need to leak info for the team to know what he wants. There is no benefit for Smith to have this news come out, which is why it’s so ridiculous that a few on here are believing he did and ripping him for it. The only thing missing is the story showing up in the Enquirer to fully meet your credibility level.

    • claude balls says:

      Haters gonna hate. Ignorant haters gonna hate ignorantly.

      • Fourth & Alex says:

        Fine. Make a point then. Is that all you got?

        Lame.

      • claude balls says:

        My point was that you are hating and doing so in an ignorant fashion. I thought that was clear.

        I’ll use smaller words next time.

      • Fourth & Alex says:

        Still not doing any better. Thanks for your rebuttal, or lack thereof. At least Prime made a point.

      • claude balls says:

        If you insist.

        You don’t know who the source is. Given that the Senior Bowl was last week, and the Super Bowl is this week, Smith’s agent doesn’t need to do this in order to gauge/drive the market for Smith. As rocket points out, it doesn’t serve Smith’s interests to create a distraction at this time. Nothing in Alex Smith’s tenure with the 49ers would lead anyone to believe that he would do something like this. Coaches and teammates have gone out of their way to praise Smith’s handling of the demotion and his team first attitude.

        Despite all of this, and without any factual basis, you immediately assume the worst of Smith and accuse him of selfishly trying to steal the spotlight away from the team. You also assume, again without any factual support, that this is gong to be some great distraction to the team. You assume these things for no other reason than your pre-existing antipathy against Alex Smith, an antipathy based upon no more solid footing than your tirade today.

        Have I sufficiently explained your ignorance? Your hatred? Look, I’ve read your comments. They don’t demonstrate a lot of thought or concern for factual accuracy. They’re simply not worthy of a response this detailed, so don’t expect any in the future.

      • 23jordan/ says:

        I guess we’ll have to wait to see if Smith denies this position or whether or not he or his agent put this information out there. The bottom line is that it doesn’t sound like he made an unreasonable request. I don’t see why the Niners would deny him. Especially since the circumstances seem to dictate that no team will pay him 8.5 million to start for them next year. You wait for free agency and you sign him for less.

      • Dee Phiant says:

        C balls
        Great commentary, the most dissapointing part is that Bay Area journalists with easy access to the source don’t check before they shoot off their mouth!

  45. Dee Phiant says:

    Grant, I thought journalists were supposed to check their sources before giving opinions on gossip or slander…………..

  46. BigP says:

    The truly successful franchises would never just release Smith, they would get value for him. The Pats traded Bledsoe, the Packers traded Favre, and the Eagles traded McNabb. Hell, the Niners traded Joe. The only time teams release good players is when they think they are finished, like Emmitt Smith or Peyton Manning. Smith is such a unique case because of his perseverance through tough times, but the NFL is cut throat. Smith also made more (roughly $30 million) money in his first three years then 99% of NFL players ever will during their career, not because he earned it, but because he was a first overall pick. That’s part of the business, at least it was. Thank goodness for the rookie salary cap. I hope it works out for him, but the Niners don’t owe him anything. It’s a business, and Smith understands that better than most.

    • 23jordan/ says:

      Big P,

      Look at the players you just named. Alex Smith is not in the same situation or is he the same caliber of most of those players. my main bone of contention is his salary. Just remember that no team wanted him in free agency last year. His numbers are different this year but in the same system. Remember that the yardage totals are different for Smith than some of the better QB’s. we see efficiency but not explosiveness. The same guys that didn’t want him last year are not blown away this year. If you trade for him, you have to pay him that salary. He’s not worth that salary. He Niners giving it to him wasn’t really a contract. That’s why it was structured in the way that it was.

      • BigP says:

        J,
        He is an asset. I don’t care what he’s worth or what anybody wants to pay him, although I do think there are a few teams coming off of bad seasons that would happily pay his salary. He is looked at as a starting NFL QB, therefore he has value, even if he isn’t elite. Top organizations don’t get rid of valuable players without compensation. He may be the 32nd ranked QB in your book, but he’s still good enough to be in the top 32, you know? There is value in that.

    • chicago49er says:

      Big P, i agree with you

  47. Darren says:

    Here’s why it’s been hard for me to be excited about the 49ers:
    Years of failure from York’s family
    the coaching: Mariucci, Erickson, Nolan, and Singletary. I was not with the firing of Mariucci, but I didn’t like how Mariucci was coaching the 49ers as Harbaugh is doing a few similar things.
    The players: way too long to list, but I didn’t like K Harris, J SMiley, I Bruce was years too late, A Battle got slowed up, Ahmad Plummer and Mike Rumph were God awful secondary, and Kevan Barlow took money and sucked on the team.
    QUartbacking: JT O sullivan, Shawn Hill, Ken Dorsey, COdy Pickett, Jim Drukenmiller, Elvis Grbac, Troy Smith, Trent Dilfer (too old, too slow), even Scott Weinke!

    Jed York is an arrogant you know what and I don’t like arrogance.
    I wasn’t happy with the handshake incident and the tantrums Harbaugh can throw.
    CK is not throwing like other caliber QBs.

    CK needs to have more potential out there. i want more contribution from our WRs. Look at the one game Jerry Rice like what, 200 yards receiving? When was the last time a 49er WR had 200 yards? How about Terrell Owens in 20 catches, when was the last time a WR caught that many passes? That’s what I want to see out of Crabtree, out of Moss, out of Ginn, as i want more contribution from our players!

    • sfarnell says:

      You need to be medicated. Seriously. You have no grip on reality.

      Let’s assume that you’re right. Does the horrible past preclude you from enjoying the team as it exists today? Or, does your critique stem only from the way that Alex Smith lost his job. If Alex Smith was starting in the SB would you be complaining about past grievances?

      • Brotha Tuna says:

        My respectful suggestion is to not engage this unfortunate person.

      • Darren says:

        Does the horrible past preclude you from enjoying the team as it exists today?

        The answer is yes so what do I do when the 49ers win? I got to be the wronged fan to forgive the people that ruined the team? If this is what God means by forgiveness, then society is indeed messed up as I put what happened to the 49ers to that of a heinous criminal act.

  48. Darren says:

    The reason why this is coming out is Smith knows that there is no tradeable market. Who wants to pay him 8.5 million? They’ll wait it out for him to be released, so let’s save him and everybody else the headaches and release him. He should be released. Why should the 49ers get anything for him? They let 3 coaches screw his career. Countless OCs, failed WR communications, bad play calling, the 49ers ruined Alex Smith in my opinion because when you draft a QB, you give him tools to succed. You give him a WR, never got one. Give him an Oline, never got one. Impove the defense, didn’t do that for a while. Better coaching, never had that until Harbaugh. It’s really funny that you 49ers fans never had any appreciation for Smith to go 13 and3 and you hold him, not Kyle to blame for the Giant loss. It’s funny how you think Harbaugh is a good coach that lied about Peyton, then lied to Smith about being the man and promoting ‘his boy’ in CK, like Martz paraded JT O Sullivan that you fans drank the koolaid for and wanted us to franchise JT just to keep him and then trade off Alex. How did that work out again? DOn’t trad ALex SMith. Just give him his release. You deserve NOTHING for ruining Smith!

  49. michael says:

    January 29 2013
    Darren and sweet baby Jesus(whatever that guys name is) say:
    I hope CK gets injured on the first drive and Alex comes in and throws interceptions and the 49ers lose by 30.
    Michael says:
    If you don’t like the 49ers go on another blog if you can’t cheer for your team through thick and thin your not a real 49ers fan.

  50. Kremlin says:

    Interesting fact – Another person really to credit in Colin’s success because Alex has really helped coach Colin and has been right there by his side. Sitting there in meetings every single day. He coaches Colin now more than I do, and that speaks high of the kind of person and teammate that Alex Smith is.”

    • 23Jordan says:

      Oneniner,

      Who cares? Hes still out of here next year. Let Smith go be a coach somewhere. Hes doi g what backup veterans do. They try and belp the young guy out.

      • Kremlin says:

        True niner fans cares, I can see why haters don’t care

      • ninermd says:

        There he is speaking for Alex smith again. All of a sudden Alex smith is a qb guru like Harbaugh. The guy onelame hates. Although I agree that Smith deserves the ring he will get if he wins, I don’t agree that Alex smith had a big part in CK’s development. I’m sure he helped a little but onelame hangs some curtains in a box and calls it a house. Go figure.

      • 23Jordan says:

        Harbaugh truly is a team player. Still trying to stay in Smith’s good graces. Gotta love him. JH is a genius. He’s always lookung out for his players. Now Alex Smith is a QB guru. Lol.

    • Kremlin says:

      Alex is doing great.

      He will have a super bowl ring and a winning record when he is done has a niner.

      • Darren says:

        I’m sure ninermd still dreams of the time we should’ve drafted Aaron Rodgers. Maybe ninermd secretly roots for Rodgers to beat Alex Smith since he hates the man so much. WEll ninermd, you and Aaron Rodgers need to stop drinking the haterade and move on. You can be cheerful about Smith being gone, now we got to watch for prison magazines that feature CK kissing his bicep and showing his pretty tattoos. No QB should have that in my opinion as it makes him look bad.

        It’s too bad on Saved by the Bell Harbaugh comes off as a nice guy whereas in real life, he’s as arrogant as Jed York. I can see why we got to move the team to Santa Clara. Maybe Goodell can give us another football team in San Francisco. What Harbaugh did to another human being, you don’t deserve to be rewarded at all. They got other things they call that.

        It’s funny how I wanted the 49ers to go back to the superbowl. Alex Smith should be leading. Now I wish this never happened at all. I’ll never look at that 6th trophy at all as something sacred. I hope if there is a God that he is looking down on what the 49ers did to alex Smith. If NE can be exposed for what they did that has kept them from winning Superbowl, maybe karma isn’t that far from the 49ers. Maybe Harbaugh is Norv Turner that can’t win the big one. Remember, winning it all will never forgive everything on what the Yorks have done to this team and what Harbaugh openly did to Alex Smith.

    • bayareafanatic says:

      I’m curious,
      when Alex is helping Kaep how exactly does he add value? By pointing out passes that he himself would never attempt? Or by running keepers that he never attempted? What’s the old saying, those that can’t do, coach.
      Also I want to point out the forever shrinking group of Alex fans that still pop in and like to stir it up. Funny how none of them use their real names anymore. All of a sudden the room is filled with brand new names that know the entire history of the blog. These guys are like football fans that show up to games with paper bags on their heads. Use your real names. Man up or ship out.

      • Ubong says:

        you are pissed because most niner fans don’t feel like you.

        http://vimeo.com/44971571

        watch the video to see real niner fans.

        Alex will always be a niner just like Joe was forever a niner.

      • old coach says:

        @Bay ” those who ca’nt do, coach” Do you include Harbaugh in that statement? you would certainly have to include Bill Walsh.

      • bayareafanatic says:

        Ubong,
        nice bag over your head. Old Coach, I am referring to those that are still of playing age and coaching instead of playing.

      • old coach says:

        Ok

      • Darren says:

        Hey Ubong, I watched that on You TUbe and I shed a tear as that was who the 49ers were. but right now, we got a version of Dallas making their home in Santa Clara as they tossed away somebody so sacred that didn’t do wrong to anybody. Even a CHuck Norris that may root for Dallas, he’d look down on what the 49ers have done. I would’ve been happy if we were in SUperbowl 49. By then we’re in Santa Clara. By then CK can establish himself. By then, Harbaugh has grown up. By then, Jed York stopped being Vince McMahon. But Superbowl 47 will be the worse Superbowl ever next to that joke of a Pro Bowl. I hope Goodell gets rid of the PRo Bowl and he changes the Superbowl. This is just too much to give us such a horrible playoff.

      • ninermd says:

        Hey unbong… Have any footage of last years NFC championship game? And guess what???? I was at the saints game an this years playoff game. And my voice was never the same. Yeah not a true fan here. Wheeeeew! Superbowl haters. Ck is the man and no matter how much you wanna b’s hate. He’s bringing home something couldn’t last year with a better playing team. Ouch sucks for you! #questforsix!!!!!!

      • Darren says:

        Hey ninermd, how much did you get suckered paying that playoff ticket? I rather watch the game at home. Least I stay out of trouble while I’m sure you gave NY Giant fans a lot of trouble. ninermd, you’re just a hater. Go be a fan of Randy Orton if you want to be the arrogant type chippy fan. I can see why Obama gave that little talk. I think even he knows he has to bail the advertisers thanks to the 49ers ruining the Superbowl for other more qualified teams.

      • claude balls says:

        @ bayareafanatic:

        Holy crap, your obsession with Alex Smith never stops, does it? I don’t know what he ever did to you (did he refuse to sign your chest or something?), but holding a grudge like a scorned 13 year old girl isn’t a particularly good look for you.

      • Hoferfan67 says:

        Bay,

        I’d say AS helped CK most during the lockout in 2011. CK was included in the drills and he didn’t have a major learning curve, which led to him being successful more quickly than he would have been. Also, reading defenses is not the easiest task for NFL QBs, especially the young ones. By all accounts, AS reads defenses well and that is probably where he helped CK most.

        BTW, I thought you wanted to move on and only focus on the SB?

      • Adam says:

        We don’t need to know how Smith helped CK. CK is the one saying that he helped him. Harbs is the one saying he’s helped him.

        Whatever. Don’t care.

      • ninermd says:

        Hey Darren…. I get suckered into season tickets every year. Ouch! Oh and btw. I don’t start trouble with other fans. I’m there to root my team on, tailgate with my crew, drink beer, BBQ and leave with a smile in my face. Although I’m betting a hater like you wouldn’t make it to the front gates. Must suck being

      • BigP says:

        Bay,
        How would most QB’s act in a situation like this? How did Joe treat Steve? How did Steve treat Jeff Garcia? How did Favre treat Rodgers? They didn’t help these guys with crap and were generally unfriendly. Smith could have stirred up a bunch of crap in the locker room, but he didn’t. He supported CK and helped him in the meeting rooms, at practice and in the games. It doesn’t matter what CK took from it, it matters that Smith was trying to help him. The fact that CK has said Smith has been a big help on multiple occasions confirms that he did benefit from Smith’s help. I don’t get how you can turn Smith helping CK into a negative. CK is the starter, Smith will be gone next year and the Super Bowl is on Sunday. I would think you would be breaking out the robot dance, not questioning the benefit CK receives from Smith’s help.

      • Bayareafanatic says:

        BigP,
        the difference is right in front of you. All the names you mentioned were GREAT players. Part of what made them great was their competitive nature. What Steve Young called an “over my dead body” attitude.
        Look at that list again, they all had it. Smith didn’t. Smith is nice. He is meek and mild. Smith is a good company guy, a yes man. Once again, just my opinion.

      • BigP says:

        Bay,
        You questioned how CK was benefitting from Smith’s help in your first post, and now you are criticizing him for being a team player and nice guy because he is helping CK. Those are two totally seperate things. I realize the players I mentioned are great players, but that wasn’t the point. They were used as examples of the transition process between QB’s and how they behave. Nobody compared Smith with Montana, Favre, etc. on a football level. The comparison was made because of the way Smith has handled himself during this process. He was demoted and is trying to help his team. You first questioned how much he is really helping CK, then you implied that he is weak because he is helping CK. Would you prefer he undermine CK and Harbaugh in the locker room and try to disrupt the Super Bowl mojo? I mean, come on.

      • FDM says:

        Totally unecessary comment Bay. Alex has been the consummate professional in all this. No doubt he has helped CK. We wont know the nature or the fashion in which he has, but they are teammates, they work together everyday and I am pretty sure there is something to be learnt from each other regardless if their games are different.
        I think you are just letting past judgements cloud your thinking.

      • rocket says:

        BigP,

        The answer is Smith can do no right in the eyes of some fans. It’s a bias built up over the years because he did not fulfill their expectations. It doesn’t matter why or if he improved. It’s simply a case of a certain element of the fan base deciding he was a failure and not swaying from that opinion unless forced to by play on the field in an individual game. Ultimately the well was poisoned and Smith is viewed as a failure. Meanwhile he has done some good things here and hopefully has shown enough to get the team some compensation in a trade.

      • claude balls says:

        @ rocket:

        It’s simply a case of a certain element of the fan base deciding he was a failure and not swaying from that opinion unless forced to by play on the field in an individual game.

        No, they ignored that too because it would have meant acknowledging that they were wrong. They couldn’t even enjoy last year’s run because Smith was the QB. But they’ll tell you that they are the REAL fans.

      • Prime Time says:

        It really is a classic case of not understanding what it takes to win in the NFL. These haters pin all the Niners woes over the years on Smith. They never have been able to identify the poor drafts, coaching and mismanagement of the salary cap. All their ignorance was placed on Smith. Then when he had the team, coaching and system in front of him and he excelled, it still was not enough.

        Now after a media report, he is a distraction, a cancer and a bad teammate. It’s all just hate from the king hater himself. Bayarea fanatic!

      • Adam says:

        It’s some sort of personal hate. It has been from the beginning. Watch the pros talking with and about Smith on NFL Net today. They know what it’s all about. All this spouting off by the three or four Joes on here is BS.

        I’ll take Pros over Joes any day of the week. The interview with Prime and Smith pretty much sums it up. Irvin’s discussion after pretty much ices it.

        Simple.

        And anyway, it’s all over. Who cares The haters will move to something else to bitch about incessantly, the new CK haters are starting up already to take their place. So whatever. There are “fans” who hate I guess.

        Same old crap.

        Let’s talk football! We got us a game coming up!

  51. Kremlin says:

    As a niner for life, I will be always be an Alex Smith fan.

    Below is a must see video by every true niner fan.

    http://vimeo.com/44971571

    Search sportsfan to get to it.

    • ninermd says:

      Lol yeah right!!!! You’ll be flooding another blog next season and probably get booted there too. Good luck and gooooooood bye!!!!
      RIP onelame!!!!

      • Darren says:

        Gee ninermd, just like you’re a good little troll on the rival sites acting like the horse’s as the song goes for Jim Harbaugh style? I got plenty of money, but I don’t spend it on foolish luxuries like skipping work to see a 49er game. I’m surprised the company lackey hasn’t been fired yet, but then again, they need a Gomer Pyle to kick around. I’m like Jesus as I never touch alcohol.

      • Bayareafanatic says:

        MD,
        don’t engage with this parasite. Darren to this blog is like an unwanted orphan child left on the doorsteps of a happy unsuspecting household. Just like you don’t feed a stray dog for fear that it will never leave, you also should not respond to this half wit….

  52. Deezybee says:

    No..true niner fans are thinkin about gettin superbowl victory #6..Not a bench ridin ,disgruntled, sense of entitlement, overpaid backup.

    • Darren says:

      I’m sure Dizzy you’ll enjoy the parade. I’ll just be working like everybody else. Don’t need to waste my time looking at somebody I don’t like. WWL and One and Done exist for a reason on the 49ers. I’m sure within 10 years, York is pulling the team to LA as he should have.

  53. Ubong says:

    In the end, Alex Smith will have given the 9ers franchise a +.500 record and a superbowl ring.

    Sounds like a winner .

    The true losers are people like ninermd, jordan welcher, gay-bay etc…..

    • Deezybee says:

      Last time I checked ubong..Alex is not starting for the 49ers in the superbowl? Loyal and delusional to the end alex smith zombies..haha shame u dont mention The defense,frank gore,Kap,crabtree. The O-line ,vernon,randy..guys who u know..are gonna be playin..but a guy on the ..bench…tsk.tsk.tsk lol..oh well..

      • Darren says:

        There’s a reason: CK arrogant, tattoo, V Davis blocker type, defense should be fined each week for hurting other players. That RB for Det, his career is done thanks to the 49ers. They chased Hasselback to Tennessee. I never ever acknowledged the Rams for winning that Superbowl because they had to cheat to win it. The 49ers have done the same thing and disserviced a player like the Rams got rid of Trent Green.

    • Darren says:

      I never went to the SF Giants and I’m not wasting my day going to a dumb 49ers parade. They probably will sit Alex way in the back and make sure to give him a happy meal. If San Francisco was smart, hold the parade on Saturday, but they won’t be. It’ll be another cut school and work day. I would personally send each kid to detention all year and I would fire the worker that doesn’t show up for work. The traffic in Marin will be horrible, which wouldn’t surprise me, and Cal Train and Bart are two jokes.

  54. sonny says:

    can alex become the field goal kicker, he’s accustomed to being booed

  55. Jaga says:

    Joe threw the “Catch”
    Young threw the “Catch II”
    Alex threw the “Catch III”

    Alex will forever be a niner.

    I will also had Garcia because of the biggest comeback ever.

    Shaun Hill – NOT

  56. old coach says:

    George Mira will always be a 49er.

  57. Darren says:

    Remember on Alex Smith: The Yorks took away a good team. The 49ers never gave Smith an Oline, WRs, or any means to succeed. When his numbers go up and he leads his team to a Superbowl, you’ll be wishing he did that for the 49ers because I feel the NFL will do whatever they can to keep the 49ers from another Superbowl. Look for a lot of bad officiating next year and a lot of players from Nevada selling out CK when they get drafted.

  58. Sputnik says:

    Darren you think that Ninermd is the biggest hatter I am by far Alex is garbage trash you get it !! Onelame go to Arizona’s forums you have no friends here I know you are Alex him self or his mom or brother or dad or best friend or wife cause nobody makes the lame excuses you do , get off the straw you are sipping your boy is gone just like you this is what it will sound like when your boy is gone …………crickets from you there will be nothing for you to talk about punk Alex won’t scare any body where he goes it will take three years for him to get it and guess what there goes the bus agin and the years are starting to climb on him can’t wait tell you and your hero are gone onelame I’m ####### Alex hater

  59. 9ersurf says:

    The “if” pick will be the more likely scenario and it will be a low pick. Why? Because A. Smith will revert back to his normal, mediocre QB- self.

  60. Dee Phiant says:

    So who has the most to gain from leaking this gossip about AS?
    Not Alex, nor his agent. If Kap gets injured or plays real bad and Alex goes in, he has much more to gain than lose.
    By stirring the pot, the only winner is Kap. Alex is now in the hot seat. The focus will be on Alex and Kap won’t have to be distracted and be the main focus. I think it was a clever ploy by JH!

  61. BigP says:

    Grant,
    Can’t you just delete/ban this clown that keeps posting their nonsense here? It’s not funny, it’s not entertaining, it’s just annoying. This week is huge for true 49er fans, it would be nice to enjoy it instead of having to comb through a bunch of stupid posts.

  62. 23Jordan says:

    Amen Big P.

  63. craig says:

    Doesn’t it strike you as somewhat uncharacteristic that AS would (allegedly) express these sentiments right before the Super Bowl? Where’s the attribution? Or, is this just some journalist repeating a fourth-hand rumor he heard from his masseuse? Personally, I don’t believe any of this.

    • Dee Phiant says:

      Yip, I think it is time that Grant and all the other clowns apologize to Alex for reprinting this crap and speculations! If you listen closely to Jed York, he’s even considering KEEPING Alex, in case Kap gets injured. How long was Young backup to Joe???

      • BigP says:

        Only DS requests that people apologize for transgressions against Alex. Lol, that was York’s way of saying “We own your rights, shut up until after the season is over.” Young was the backup to Montana because there was no salary cap. They had Montana, Young and Bono.

  64. Grimey9er says:

    I saw this on ESPN.

    It was shaping up to be a relatively normal Tuesday morning in the NFL world — though the circus of Super Bowl Media Day is on tap — and then something very strange happened during ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter’s appearance on “Mike and Mike in the Morning.”

    “Schefter suggests a trade: Alex Smith and a second round 49ers pick to the Jets for Darrelle Revis,” tweeted Jane McManus of ESPNNewYork.com.

    Maybe a little too much gumbo? In any event, the 49ers are one of the teams that has the cap space flexibility to afford Revis (both in 2013 and beyond), and getting Smith’s $8.5 million off the books would help in that regard. As for the Jets, they’d have another highly-drafted QB on the roster to go along with Mark Sanchez, and as ESPN’s Chris Sprow points out, that’d be around $21 million in 2013 cap hit for the combined services of Smith and Sanchez, which would be amongst the most “Jets” things the Jets have done in recent history.

    There aren’t as many big trades in the NFL as in the other major sports, but this is a move that could be of great benefit to both parties involved.

    • claude balls says:

      How does devoting $21 million in cap space (1/6 of the 2013 total) to the QB position qualify as something of great benefit to the Jets?

      • Grimey9er says:

        I have no idea Claude. Didn’t they fire their last GM for being a moron? I think the consensus around the league is that the jets can’t resign Revis so they have to trade him.

        They obviously can’t win with Sanchez, but they can’t do anything about his contract either(GM, moron) so they’re kinda screwed either way. I love it. For some reason it’s really fun to laugh at the Jets.

      • claude balls says:

        Yes it is, Grimey, yes it is.

  65. old coach says:

    The latest ESPN rumor regarding AS the Chiefs, Cardinal, Eagles and the Bills are all interested in trading for A.S.