NBC is reporting a source with knowledge of the situation says Alex Smith wants the 49ers to release him before free agency starts in a few months.
NBC says the 49ers would prefer to trade Smith, but Smith wants to be released and to choose his own team, not get traded to a team of the 49ers’ choice.
Do you take issue with Smith’s demands? Do you think the 49ers will oblige him and cut him? If they do, where do you think he will sign?
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I think there may be a middle ground, let Smiths agent try to work out a trade before april 1
I agree with this approach. The team owes Smith for his loyalty but Smith also owes the team, especially Harbaugh, for sticking with him for so long and for developing him into a QB some team may actually want. The best middle ground is to allow Smith’s agent to find the right team willing to make a deal that’s satisfactory with the 49ers. QB’s with a MUCH LESS proven track record have been traded for multiple high picks and really good players. In the Texans trade for Matt Schaub, the Texans received Schaub and the 10th pick in the 1st round and they gave up the 8th pick in the 1st round + 2 2nd round picks in consecutive years. The Eagles traded Kevin Kolb to the Cards and to get him they gave up Dominique Rodgers Cromartie (starting CB), and a 2nd round pick. Smith has had much more experience and played better than either one of these guys so I’d be looking for similar compensation.
Just releasing Smith with no compensation really should be out of the question. Retaining Smith as the backup should be a consideration here. CK is not invincible and he does run quite a bit. A good backup should be a priority for the 9ers and Smith fits that bill to a T.
Its a business. The team needs to do what is best for the team. They’ve been coddling A. Smith now for 7 years. Time to stop. Let’s go Niners!
I agree with old coach. I think both sides can see the reasoning of the other and that would be the ideal solution. However what it comes down to is whether teams will call the Niners bluff and just wait until they cut him.
As to where he would like to go, I’d say it’s Cleveland and not just because of Norv. The Browns have a fair bit of young talent including a great young RB, and a new DC in Ray Horton that will make that side much better. In other words, the Browns could quickly turn into a playoff contender. They currently have a starting QB who is older than Smith with far less experience so the fit would be good. Unless the Niners trade him somewhere he doesn’t want to go, I think he’s the starting QB for the Browns in 2013.
Houston, the team doesn’t owe Smith anything. They paid him $49 million for 7 under performing years in which they never demanded any money back.
This is a business. I believe the issue of loyalty was addressed by the QB change in the first place. This business is about winning and doing what helps them win now. Loyalty to Smith is not in the equation.
I understand Alex wants this, but the 49ers have to think about the team and we would be crazy not to get something for all the time invested in this player and he ends up not starting for the long(er) term. Granted Alex has a point, but for him to take all the development the team has provided him and get only one and a half good years of production is just not enough for a #1 over all pick for 7 seasons.
GM
Your avatar pic looks familiar back to the MM days on here.
St—–e ?
I actually go that far back and further! LOL!
The 9ers should trade him. The team has paid him millions over the years so IMO they owe him nothing. The team comes first. They should trade for a CB or defensive lineman. The team should try to oblige Smith and his choices, but when push comes to shove the teams interests come first. Do they really want to trade Smith to a team like the Cardinals so that he can spill his guts about signals, strategy, etc.?
TEAM COMES FIRST.
Yes I do want him at Arizona. Harbaugh sold out Smith. I don’t see why he shouldn’t be given the opportunity to beat him. Harbaugh has shown what a dou’che he can be like Mariucci was to Kevan Barlow. Do not trade Smith.
Sold out? Smith wouldn’t even be in the NFL possibly without the 49ers and without Harbaugh. Let’s be clear here… if the 49ers don’t keep Smith during Harbaugh’s first year and we somehow land Peyton are we having the same conversation? After Smith’s injury and the flux on the roster with a number of quarterbacks – even those not named Shaun Hill, Smith still struggles to stay with the team. If anything it was the 49ers that helped Smith to even be in a place where he would *be* in any kind of demand. Last year another QB-needy FA period Miami – who desperately needed a signal caller chose to take their chances with a possible rookie and bunch of journeymen.
I rather we have either gotten Peyton or started CK in week 1. Starting CK like this doesn’t make the SUperbowl honest as I will always feel the 49ers cheated in some way to get there. Miami is not giving up their QB, Reid doesn’t want Smith (and I wouldn’t want SMith in KC under Joe Montana) and I don’t want Smith going to Cle like Jeff Garcia did. How did Jeff do in Cle? Epic fail like Montana didn’t do that well in KC. Maybe Montana wanted to go to a different team. Trading is bad when the choice of team will be in the AFC probably.
CK and Harbaugh will be the reason why Smith’s career will collapse.
I don’t see why he (Alex Smith) shouldn’t be given the opportunity to beat him (Jim Harbaugh)
What makes you think AS in Arizona can beat the Niners? In all honesty, I’d love for the Niners to play AS twice per year. That would be interesting and make for two easy wins.
Darren, get over yourself. Smith was never promise a permenant starting job, maybe you can follow him to Az.
Alex Smith relies on a short passing game predicated by the run and receivers breaking tackles to get YAC.
SF thrives on stopping the run, tackling, and keeping everything infront of them. Advantage: 49ers.
I’m glad this was put out because I saw that. I don’t want the 49ers to trade Alex because we are rewarding bad behavior to a team that benched Smith unjustly. Did SMith lose games? Did he throw INTs? Did he do something to irk Harbaugh? The team itself? Was he hurt like RG 3 or Big Ben or other QBs? I want the 49ers to get NOTHING, just release ALex so he may go to arizona. I want ALex in Arizona because I thrive on the former player jilted by his former coach that said to alex he was the Qb and a minute later, knifes his own QB and puts in somebody that looks like he came from a prison camp with the tattoos and…what was this hat CK wears in press conferences? Please get him a 49er cap at least!
I want Smith to get his release and go to arizona. It’ll give our division more life then it has the past several years, when its’ given to one team and 3 other teams suck each year. Our division is horrible, and putting Alex in Arizona will make it a lot better to have 2 opportunities to beat Harbaugh.
Trading Smith to the ’49ers choice of a team’ like they did with Julian Peterson will be a huge disaster to him like it was to Julian. Remember how Julian was eager to bail out on Miami and to get on Seattle?
And this is why you’re a smither. Team first!!!! This man should be thankful he’s still in this league. If you would clear your mind and remember it was the 49ers who kept giving him opportunities. They could have gotten rid of him years ago. Like most teams would have!
ANd this is why you’re a CK for you go from one QB to another Qb that still can’t pass for 300 yards. When Smith’s numbers go up, you’ll see he was held back by an ungrateful coach that can only succeed appearing on Saved by the Bell rather then trying to be a QB. Trading Smith will ruin his carrer. Release the man.
Lol you mean the only coach who saved his pathetic nfl career? Yeah good luck without Harbaugh Smith. You did so well without him. As for you onelame…… The good news out of this is nobody will have to read your pathetic comments anymore. Until smith comes to town and you’re going to tell us how much of a COLDBLOODED ASSASIN he is. Oh and ps…. That kid CK got further than Smith did last year with a team that hasn’t played as well as last season in all parts of the team. Ouch that’s gotta sting!!! TEAM CK!!! Ride or die!!!
Sorry ninermd, but i was taught to not get on a bus with strangers. I rather thumb my way. If CK can’t throw like other QBs, he’s one and done easy. And cover the tattoos please. THis isn’t Santa Clara Raiders now.
Very smart not to ride with strangers. Next you’ll learn to look both ways. But pardon me if I sound “claudish” but I think you meant to say you don’t ride busses that aren’t painted with #11 all over them.
Wow ninermd, just like the 49ers bus isn’t the clown car since that’s the only thing the Yorks can afford, or the ‘short bus’. I wonder how much York will sock it to SF holding the parade for the 49ers?
MD,
Dont feed the trolls.
Darren ..
You sound exactly like the “Darren35″ of the Bee-blog..
bringing the the same ‘ole – same ‘ole here !
First of all.. Harbaugh (nor the 49ers) cheated anyone !
(let alone Alex)
If you’re old enough to remember (probably debatable) .. Goerge Seifert had a similar circumstance ..
The Joe got hurt .. and Steve Young took over..
By the time Joe was ready to come back, Steve had already cemented his role on the team ..
Should Alex end up going to another team .. (likely).. I doubt
the Bay Area would react in the same way they did when Joe was sent packing to Arrowhead !
Besides .. when you think about it … Alex’s first 49er contract was for something like $49 million / 5 yrs …
When you add that to all the other money he got from the team .. And … just what did the Niners get for their investment in him ?
1-1/2 good seasons ?
Sure .. Alex is a class act … but
he’s a rich class act ! … and I wish him well !
If you consider yourself a REAL Niner fan ..
it’s about time for you to turn the page ..
and GET OVER IT !
Really dude? Kaep is not the better choice? They’re not in NO right now without the switch, plain and simple.
If there are at least 2 teams interested, I think we could get a #rd rd pick for him probably in 2014
oops i meant 3rd rd pick
The 49ers have 13 picks, we don’t need another pick. alex Smith would be worth a 7th round pick and we got enough of those. Release the man so he can sign for Arizona. He must be friends with Adam Snyder.
So, you admit Smith is only worth a 7th round pick. That says a lot.
What makes you so sure Arizona wants him?
Under what circumstances can he possibly be traded… Teams know he won’t be there next year , all they have to do is wait it out
Exactly. We tried that with Julian Peterson for 2 years, franchised, hoped teams give a 1st and a 3rd for him, never worked out and Julian was in Miami, then Seattle.
Is this Darren guy serious? You’re worried about Alex smith’ future over this teams future? Welcome back onelame
And what happened to Trent DIlfer after he won a SUperbowl? You really think CK is going to get better? He’s a knee and head injury waiting to happen. CK better learn to pass. I don’t care that you say this is the new 49ers. The 49ers I saw were not reckless and they passed effectively. FOr fans to say the 49ers shouldn’t be passing. go watch De La Salle.
Oh you mean pass like he did in ATL? Or CHI, or New England? Yeah he better learn how to pass. Ha ha haa… Thanks for the laughs today. I needed them. Keep them coming I don’t have anything else to do for another hour. Lets play!
Just remember ninermd, I got it better then you. I get a good laugh when 49ers fans like you think 300 yards is so mean and disrespectful. I’ll take Eli that threw over 4000 yards anytime as 4000 is too high for CK to achieve. Garcia threw over 4200 yards, guess out of 200 X 16, be luck CK gets 3800 yards. I should put a bet on Raw Roulette on when CK gets injured next year.
Darren
You have a single-track, tiny mind. You are incapable of any intelligent contributions, so please, just stop. We are all made dumber by having to read your moronic posts.
Thanks.
Mr. Everything, wow, did Grant make you the forum police around here? Better get your Vince McMahon corporate suit on and jut out your Seargeant Slaughter like chin and ‘correct me’ Mr. Knows Nothing. Rather then turn this into ESPN and NFL.com, ignore is bliss. Remember that if you want to talk like a 5-year old.
Darren
You are a phony. You know nothing about what makes this team tick. You talk about loyalty and disloyalty, 300 yard games and Julian Peterson, but the whole time your nose is stuck so far up Alex’s rear end that you have forgotten to take a breath of air. You have suffered Alex-arse induced brain damage from your season-long immersion up Alex’s arse.
Get out of there. Take a breath. Look in the mirror. Look at your family. What you’ll see looking back at you are people who can’t believe you’ve become so stupid.
Mr. Everything should be moderated as he’s insulting me and I’m defending myself.
So much for the “team guy first Alex” yes he’s been loyal but he had no choice. This team could have cut him years ago. Now he thinks they owe him something? I’d say they’re pretty even. And since he wants to be a crybaby about it. Trade him and get something for it. Harbaugh built you smith and he deserves the trade value he can get from you. And what perfect timing for this also. His agent should know better than to let this out before the Superbowl. Image tarnished. Stay out Smith. And I hope to god we see you two times a year. So we can expose you for the talent you really are. A Harbaugh game manager. Good bye!!!!
Dont’ worry ninermd. Your day is coming. Sure, you can win the Superbowl. The fans will wreck SF. But just remember: NY Giants that won the sUperbowl didn’t see the playoffs so the 49ers are about to have an epic collapse next year when CK is taken off the field like RG 3 and season down the toilet. Oh, where’s Alex at to back him up. ALex? Gee, he’s gone, and look, there’s you crying on the rock. Payback is going to be sweet. I hope it doesn’t take you 20 years to get back to greatness and by then, Jed York will sell the team hopefully.
Lol Alex who? If Harbuagh can make him a mediocre game manager in less than a year. What do you think he’s going to do with Tolzien? You’re dreaming if you think this franchise will not be a Superbowl contender for years to come. And if he’s as great as you think he is. Then were trading him and getting two first rounders. Lol
Why don’t you get your own show? With the kind of humor you provide on here, why deprive all of America?
Wow, that’s hilarious that a QB that can throw 200 yards can get somewhere but remember these words from Star Trek Voyager: what works one year can be adapted the next year as Atlanta and New Orleans can’t wait to get their revenge on SF and if it’s prime time, watch out. SF is prime and targeted for a 5 and 11 collapse. If your quarterback can’t throw, you can’t win.
Can someone get this kid a producer?
Darren is DS9
With how many quality starters there are in the nfl right now there are very few teams smith could go to. KC, Jax, Ari, nyj are going to be the only teams Smith can start for. And these teams know that the Niners will inevitably release smith so why would they trade anything for him? The Niners should just release him and not drag out the process
Exactly, it’s going to be like what they tried with Julian Peterson. The 49ers are not that smart with trades anyway. They’ll take a 7th round for smith probably, an insult to them and to Smith.
IF one of those teams want him enough to ensure they do indeed acquire him before the others get an opportunity.
Trade him to the highest bidder, and continue to be a good soldier Alex. We’re not finished with you, so keep your piehole shut and be ready to go just in case.
The 49ers wont be able to trade Alex anyways. He’s due that $8million bonus in April, no way the 49ers pay him that and other teams know that too.
And no, he wont get traded to Jets.
Alex will be released before that bonus is due.
That’s right, but all fans see is the 49ers will get a first round for Smith when they trade him. Not going to happen. Agent trumps team.
Darren
Go back to your grocery store. Your pathetic attempts to get the blog all frothing at the mouth are distasteful. Go away.
Not going to happen because smith isn’t worth a first rd pick. Darren you’re to funny!
ninermd, I’m just stating what YOU and the other ‘LEGENDARY’ 49er fans think Smith is worth since you’re into koolaid and cheese. By the way, Mr. Everything, take care of the bathroom at Walmart. I left a mess in there.
The appearance of a certain personality on here seems to have coincident timing with the expiration of Sarah Palin’s contract with Fox News. I don’t have any insider info, but inquiring minds……..
+1
Don’cha know? ;)
Alex wasnt worth a 1st round pick when he was drafted and they sure as hell wont get anything for him now. Not sure why this is even a discussion really.
You guys,
stop responding to Darren and he will go away. Keep responding to him and he will poison this blog. Trust me on this.
As for Smith, the 49ers should do what they did for Montana. Allow him to attempt to work out a trade that benefits everyone involved.
Alex was a team player and handled this last year with class. He could have thrown a fit and been a disruption, but he wasn’t.
On the flip side, he wasn’t very smart about the contract he signed last year. A series of one year contracts that was heavily one sided as we are seeing now.
I have to agree as Smith never should’ve signed the contract. I wonder if he can sue the 49ers and NFL…but I doubt it. I still feel Smith should be released. I don’t see why asking for his release is a sign Smith is being ‘a bad player.’ Smith knows the 49ers are sending him to a classless team and won’t let him sign with arizona. They’re that scared, like they let MIchael Robbinson wind up on Seattle selling trade secrets.
@Bay
Agree on all points but Alex signing what he signed. IMO, he signed what they offered. Did Harbs and Trent see CK’s learning curve and know they’d eventually need the flexibility on Alex? Maybe. Did they think back last Spring that CK would win the starting job in 2012? I doubt that, just good long term planning.
@ Brotha,
the 49ers were willing to walk away from Smith last year during contract negotiations. Smith knew it.
They made their offer and it sat for two months. They went after Manning. After realizing that Manning was NOT coming here they slightly adjusted Smith’s contract to mend fences, but for the most part it was the same offer.
We all, ( except for the Smithers ) knew the contract was written in a way that labeled Smith a stop gap. Hindsight, Harbaugh knew CK was the QB for 2013. Only it happened sooner.
I dont believe there is any trade value when in fact on April 1 he will be released. The Vikings and Chiefs could use someone with AS s skill set. I know some of you will say the Viks have a QB, I say do they?
TRADE SCENARIO: IF one of those teams want him enough to ensure they do indeed acquire him before the others get an opportunity.
Razor – I guess thats a possibility not sure if AS commands that kind of thinking – I think he does, but I am in a minority.
Not saying it would happen, especially after his brief flirtation with free agency last year, but it is the only way I think the 49ers could get something for him.
Arizona is closer to the Bay Area isn’t it? SD has a Qb, Raiders can’t part with Palmer and they’re not on TV, I don’t think smith wants to back up Wilson…Arizona is a little close to the Bay Area. I thought Smith wanted to be near the Bay Area.
This Darren guy is somethin else… Saw a link on here a week ago and it was this Darren guy goin off abt the same stuff but talkin abt wanting to kill himself because of the 49ers way of dealing with AS etc… I mean really guy, it’s just a game.. May be a game with crazy highs and lows, which is what makes it so great,but still, it’s just a game…
Perfect example why we need psycholoigal testing prior to gun ownership.
Yeah, Randry, I’m not going to let the game bother me. I just don’t wnat Harbaugh to be called a genius. Be a slap in the face to Bill Walsh. I just wanted Smith leading us to the superbowl. He was close last year, but everybody blames him for the loss, not Kyle.
I want! I want! The team, the team the team!
Darren ..
Are you a close friend of Alex Smith ? …
I only ask this because, I can think of only two reasons
someone would be obsessed with someone else, as you
are with Alex..
First reason would be a stalker …
Q. Are you stalking Alex Smith ?
and
Second reason … well, since this is a family publication..
suffice it to say ..
Alex is ALREADY married !
Good Riddance.
Joe Montana:
SUPER BOWL XXIII • JAN. 22, 1989 • 49ERS 20, BENGALS 16
I always paid attention to what I ate before games. Your stomach has to be not empty but not full. I’d have a little piece of steak before games, maybe some coffee, a Snickers bar at halftime, then I’d have one of the guys on the team put a cheeseburger in my locker for after the game. Against Cincinnati, I got to the stadium so early that I was hungry, so I ate my Snickers bar before the game started. And in the fourth quarter, on the drive to beat them late in the game, I almost passed out. You couldn’t even talk in the huddle. It was so loud. I was hyperventilating, yelling at the top of my lungs, and I was running out of juice. Halfway through the drive, I thought I was going to black out. I was seeing black and white fuzziness. I put my hands under center, and it felt like I was there for seconds. But I wasn’t. Jerry [Rice] was running to a corner to the left, and I threw the ball 10 yards out of bounds because I thought I was going to pass out. I was using every bit of oxygen I had. Then, by the next play, it went away. I didn’t say anything. I didn’t even think about it again. And it came down to a touchdown pass to win the game. I did that 1,000 times in the backyard, throwing to my friends. To have that come into play and be a reality, that dream come true, that drive, I was extremely excited. There’s nothing like that feeling, coming from behind, to throw a touchdown pass and have it be in the Super Bowl. And when I got back to the locker room, a cheeseburger was in my locker. Usually I have to fight some of the linemen for it, but this time I didn’t. — As told to Seth Wickersham of ESPN The Magazine
That was one of my favorite Superbowls. Winning 5 SUperbowls was special.
Dude,
stop feeding him. You are giving him exactly what he wants…… He’s not a football fan. He’s a lonely dude looking for interaction. Any interaction….
why is talking about Alex Smith ‘trolling’ or asking CK to be a QB ‘trolling?’ Has society gotten this bad? I can say Obama is ruining the country, oh gee, I’m a racist. I don’t like a few things Harbaugh does, oh he’s a hater. I don’t think this SUperbowl will compare to the 5 Superbowls as nothing is special when 2 Qbs can’t pass.
The 49ers:
Release Alex Smith
CK needs to pass more
York should not move the team to santa Clara.
Bay
Thx for the slap to the head. Gotcha.
Thanks for the slap in the head, Bay. Man, when you argue with rivals for so long, it feels weird to argue with fellow 49ers fans. I feel releasing the man is best and let him go to the team of his choice. Why give up a draft pick for Smith? You’re just helping the 49ers and they don’t need help.
I’ve encountered his attempts at mind control over on Maioccos’ blog, beat him with brain control everytime.
I don’t see Arizona paying for a 29 year old quarterback when they are already paying Kolb. I think Alex should want a trade not a release with a trade he gets to keep the money he is guaranteed with a release he is guaranteed nothing.
Charades anyone? Invisible man, am I right?
Rock got “Punked!”
Thanks Grant. I needed to be moderated.
??????
Seriously? Why the h*ll don’t you do something about all this clowns posts about Prop 8 ??
So there’s nothing strange about CK kissing the bicep? OK, my bad, I’ll just stick to he’s mocking Hulk Hogan and Tebow and say nothing else about it. Free Alex and let him go to Arizona. To see teh NFC West with a rivalry will be great.
Do people believe Harbaugh makes all the decisions about his players, or can people see that Harbaugh and the players work for the York family? Yes, Harbaugh has some say in the matter, but who signs his paycheck? Yes, the York family has invested time and their money in Alex Smith. No one is more cognizant of money than the people with the money which is why they have the money. Yes, Harbaugh did visit Nevada and did scout their quarterback. But, the York family paid his way there and back and then they listened to the report Harbaugh made. I look to the York family to decide on the future of Alex Smith. But why would the give him up now? What if they need a quarterback?
Points well taken. It almost seems like Jed is making the moves more then Harbaugh, so maybe Harbaugh shouldn’t be 100% blamed. I’d hate to think Uncle Eddie would approve of all this, but then again, Eddie Guerrero was the expert at lie, steal, and cheat. I hope JEd knows that pocket passers like Peyton, Brady, and Favre lasted a long time in the NFL rather then running with the ball. Arizona needs a qb. ny jETS DO NOT.
Dude, get out of your moms basement. You know wrestling is fake right? LOL.
That’s it! Now he’s answering his own posts? Nurse Ratchet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bro, i am not that Smith lover. I hardly ever post, bu this guy is so annoying, its pathetic. He really has nothing to do with his life but sit there in his basement bedroom and pollute Niner blogs with his b.s. Like i said.. pathetic !!
Darren, may I say that I think you should be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for your efforts on Alex’s behalf. You are striking a blow for true justice. And yes, Harbaugh and his boss, Jed York should certainly be hauled up before the International Court of Justice in The Hague. They are no better than that Serbian mass murderer who was on trial. Yeah, yeah, I know they have given Alex over 50 million bucks so far, but that’s no excuse for the humiliation of replacing him just because of the stupid reason that someone else was a better player. In the immortal words of Tony Bruno, I would go so far as to say ….IT’S AN OUTRAGE!!!!!!!
The NY Jets will love to have Alex smith
>I think the Jets will regret not making a play for Alex as they sit another year with Sanchez and his contract.
> AZ may draft one rather than throw more money at the position. If they draft 1 QB and 2 OLs in their top 3 they could build that team. New group makes them harder to predict and new guys might not feel tied to preceding errors.
> I hear rumors of Cleveland despite a #1 choice last year. I think it could work for AS even if he’s the bridge while Weeden improves. Again, new regime not locked to previous choices.
> A similar possibility in Jacksonville.
> K.C. could be interesting. It will depend upon whether Reid thinks AS can run his offense.
> I also heard noise about Minn. I don’t know about those rumors. It would only make sense if they’re worried about the ‘window’ closing, but it could be good for AS.
>What will SF do? I haven’t the slightest clue.
You do realize that Alex is actually younger than Brandon Weeden…right? Weeden a 29 year old rookie, Smith a 28 year old 8 year vet.
http://nflsoup.com/alex-smith-release-rumors-where-could-the-49ers-qb-wind-up-in-2013/
Bills have been front runners for a while now regarding Smith’s services.
The only one I highly doubt as a destination for Smith are the Eagles. With Chips offense, A Smith is not athletic enough. Rumor is they want Pryor from the Raiders.
Alex not athletic enough? Dude ran the spread offense of Urban Myers in college. He’s more than athletic enough to run it.
DS, I mean MJ pipe down. Smith is not at the level that Chip needs to run the pistol.
Put your smither dunce cap back on and return to your corner.
Youre an idiot. Its quite sad.
I believe Smith will cost the team that signs him a whole lot more if they sign him in free agency, then if they trade for him and take over his current contract. Let his agent negotiate the trade because Alex has been a great teamate and never threw anyone under the bus but lets get at least a 4th rd pick and hopefully a 3rd rounder. We have enough picks for this up coming draft but its never to soon to begin collecting for 2014.
Coach,
it comes down to demand. If two teams both want him at the same time, then he has value and the Niners can negotiate.
If only one team wants him, then they will wait for April 1st and negotiate on their own. Common sense really.
Harbaugh made him the great game manager that he is, so he should get something in return for his HARD work.
Knowing that the team will ultimately cut him anyway I just don’t see much if any trade market for him. For the Niners to get a draft pick for Smith you’d have to have at least two or more teams that want him badly and I just don’t think that is the kind of market he will see for his services. Expect the teams that are interested to wait for his release.
I believe the 49ers realize they have little chance of finding a trade partner and will ultimately release Smith sooner rather then later. They’ll spin it as the team willing to do something for Smith as a nice gesture but it’ll really be them accepting that they just aren’t going to get anything for him anyway.
Initially my landing spot for Smith was K.C. but then Reid showed up and I just don’t see that happening now. At this point I believe the Browns are the best fit for Alex. Their good in almost all positions except QB and WR. They have a potentially very good to great running game with Richardson and they arguably have the best CB tandem in the league. This is a team that if they had consistency and efficiency at the QB position could have been knocking at the tournament door even this year.
Clevelend should sign Smith and move up a slot or two in the draft and grab Allen from Cal.
Damn it! Stupid auto-refresh……Grant, you’ve gotta get something done with that. I just had a beautiful screed prepared
Quickly then….Coffee, you’ve nailed it. Only thing to add is that the 49ers want to be perceived as an organization that deals squarely and in good faith with players. That makes the 49ers a more attractive destination for free agents. Giving Alex his release after he got a bit of a raw deal (nobody’s fault, just the way it goes), is the right thing to do. It’s not worth being considered a hardball team for the mid-round pick, at most, that we’d probably get.
Angus,
That is so annoying, and a cheap tactic to accrue more page hits. I keep Notepad open to write my post and just copy and paste it now since this started happening. It’s very frustrating to write a post or response and it disapears right as you finish.
Just hit another letter. It does it to me also all I do is continue to type and it all comes back. Try that out next time.
This is sooooooooo funny.
People all over AS, how bad he is and was and good riddance. But Wait He’s not THAT bad. He has value, we might GET something for him.We should keep him and trade him! The 49ers made him who he is! He has a high QB rating. We should get SOMETHING back! Oh Yeah, He OWES US!!!
Bunch of hypocrites!
If Smith had a shred of team spirit — and he should, given the millions this team has paid him — he should have the common sense and the decency to STFU until the most important game in which he will ever contribute from the sidelines is over. I think there is zero chance his team would even be in New Orleans this week if he were the starting quarterback.
What about Rashaun Woods, Jim Drunkinmiller or JJ Stokes to name a few #1 draft pick busts that is ludicrous to demand money back. At least Alex played Druckinmiller never even played a snap.
Smith didn’t say anything publicly – a “source” did. Whether that’s an agent, a coach or the guy who cleans up the Gatorade bottles is unknown.
Greg ” team spirit” This is’nt H.S. or college its a business and management is the first to say it.
Of course, it’s a business. Smith and everyone else in the organization are in the business of making money for the owners. If he didn’t complain publicly, I retract my comments. But if he leaked them, or was undisciplined enough to allow it to be leaked, then he is damaging the product he is paid to help create.
I can certainly agree with that
Alex Smith has been paid millions by the 49er’s, for mediocre play, the Niners should do what is best for the Niners, not Alex Smith, he has only two years left on his contract, he can become a free agents then. Also the timing of this, should be after the Super Bowl.
Most on this blog seemed to agree last week that Smith had worked his way up to about the #16 QB in the NFL before his concussion. I have to believe that the #16 QB in the league is worth a 3rd or 4th rd draft pick.
Agree. His market value is as a starting QB, but undermined to the Niners leverage because everybody knows they don’t really want to pay him that bonus. So if his agent can work a deal and get the Niners something, that team doesn’t have to compete uncertainly and maybe spend more, and Alex gets to sign off on the deal. In that case SF doesn’t get the Kolb or Flynn level of compensation but maybe something like old coach suggested.
His trade value might be higher because he’s locked into a below market contract. I could see a 3rd easily.
The genius of Mike Nolan is amazing. Turning the #1 overall pick into a 3rd rounder is some slick wheeling and dealing.
Why should Smith stay? Get a bang on the head and your out!! They were not loyal to him why should he give a damn about them. Beware future 49rs Get hurt bye bye sucker.
Smith didn’t lose his job to injury, he lost it to a better player. Harbaugh only needed to see CK in action against Chicago to make the switch. The whole now sees what Harbaugh did, and they are in the Super Bowl.
+1
The feel sorry for Alex story is always going to be he lost his job due to injury. Like so many have claimed on here. Your statement is the truth. After the win in NO it just cemented his starting roll and backed up what Harbaugh saw in Chicago. It’s unfortunate for Smith that he got injured but IMO fortunate for the team he did because without CK as the starter I really don’t think we are playing Baltimore on Sunday.
Dave its a business
If JH made the switch after the Giant game, his injury would not of been so controversial . The Niners were very loyal to AS to a fault.
Alex Smith is not a NFL starter, he’s a backup. Not one team in their right mind would trade for him. Harbaugh knows this and that’s why he’s on the bench.
And he’ll see that most of the interest out there will be for him to be a backup. He might as well sign another contract with the niners as a QB for backup money. I’m sure the team would be generous.
Who knows, maybe Darren is right (that would be a first): CK could get injured as a runner. Let’s try and keep AS as a backup, or at least see if it’s at all possible. It may take his release so that he can see what the market is (or is not) for his services.
Alex Smith will be a starter. To suggest otherwise doesn’t merit a response. Wait….what am I doing?
Don’t think this option would be at all possible but it would be great if Harbaugh & 49ers could keep them both. Remember what happened to RGIII this year. It would be great to know if one goes down we won’t skip a beat.
I mean really think about it when AS leaves who’s our guaranteed winner behind CK? I think CK is a great young QB and is going to take us to the next level. Could even be the start of a new dynasty for us. But we want a proven winner backing him up.
You can’t have the backup making $8.5 and the starter making $740K. They can’t modify CK’s contract until after his third season because of the CBA. It’s the same thing in Seattle, where Matt Flynn makes about ten times as Russell Wilson.
renegotiate his contract. Any quality backup that the niners sign will make more than CK.
The Niners shouldn’t hold his feet to the fire, but they have every right to influence his landing spot. He is under contract. He signed a three year deal. If he doesn’t want to be traded the team can hold onto him until the end of March and he would miss the first three weeks of free agency. The team doesn’t owe him anything. I said last year that he should have signed a one year contract, played well and hit free agency or be franchised. He had the opportunity to control his own destiny and didn’t. In a perfect world, they could work out a trade to a team that worked for both parties. There is one thing I do know, no team is going to give up a first round draft pick for him. He will be a bridge to the future wherever he lands, not a savior.
I understand the contract issues that would have to be worked out. Normal NFL business. I’m just saying if he was willing to do that it would be in our best interest to keep a successful team together. We’re much better with CK running our offense. Every great team has a back up QB that can win games for them. After AS leaves who’s ours? Scott Tolzien isn’t proven yet.
I hear you, but he will have the opportunity to be a starter and earn more money somewhere else. Why would he want to be a backup here?
Big P,
Smith will nit get offered 8.5 million by any twam next year.
23Jordan,
I don’t care what he makes next year, but a team will either inherit his deal or sign him to a FA contract. There is a market rate for NFL starting QB’s. He will easily get AT LEAST $8.5 million annually from his new team, and likely considerably more.
Not if he is brought in to compete for the job which he most likely will have to do. It will be all incentive laden deal based on starts, wins, completion %, and yards passing.
The NFL now knows that Smith needs detailed coaching and a familiar offensive system. This is why he wants to chose his destination. I think the 49ers should grant him the freedom to seek his own trade.
Prime,
I’m sure they will grant him some freedom to seek a trade, but it has to work for them too. He is viewed as a starter, and a starting QB is an asset.
Fortunately for Alex he already is familiar with almost every offensive system in the league.
If the Niners think or anyone for that matter that a return on Alex is more than a 5th, they are dreaming. The league knows they have to release him eventually because no way are they carrying a 8.5 million dollar salary for a backup. Add the fact they need to pay Goldson and extend some other players, they need that money and cap space.
Prime,
A fifth is better then nothing, isn’t it? Let the front office worry about it.
The best would be a third the worse absolutley nothing. I am way more interested in what happens to Mark Sanchez, talking about drama and bad contract.
Big P,
We’ll make a gwntlemams bet of a burger on that. Smith will not get an 8.5 mil deal next year. Bet.
If he gets traded, does he keep the same contract?
P why would anyone trade for him knowing the Niners will eventually release him? Who in the NFL desperately needs a QB? He is a good QB but I don’t see teams giving up any high draft picks because he is unknown to them. He had the prefect team in front of him. Do these teams that need QB’s out there have the talent the Niners have? No way.
Neal,
Yes he does. Team has the option. No team is going to pay Smith 8.5 million.
Thanks Jordan,
This will probably be drag out till April 1.
Holy crap, jordan is still trying to get people to bet with him.
Smh.
BigP,
I think the contract he ultimately signed was so each side had an out if they wanted it. They positioned the bonus right at the beginning of the league year with the provision that if paid, it gives them about a 4 week window to trade him, keep him or release him. For Smith, it gave him security if he played well enough to keep the job, and gave him essentially a goodbye gift of 1 mill and his freedom if he didn’t.
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. I would think the Niners would be willing to help him go where he wants to unless they get a better deal elsewhere.
Rocket,
I agree with you as to why Smith wants his release. I just think the Niners have the right to get something in return. He is a starting QB in the NFL, teams don’t just give those away. I think the Niners will try and be accommodating to a certain point, but I don’t see them just releasing him without any compensation. It’s a multi-billion dollar business and Smith is an asset. You said, “I would think the Niners would be willing to help him go where he wants to unless they get a better deal elsewhere.” I said “In a perfect world, they could work out a trade to a team that worked for both parties.” I think we are on the same page.
BigP,
I think so too. Ultimately it is a business and they will take the best deal offered, but I think they will go out of their way to make a deal to a place he wants to go.
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.
Hey bud. I thought it was a media thing? I’m the drama queen? You’re saying now that Smith wants a release? How do you know this? This is why your cred as a know it all is shot. You are like Claude that just wants to start arguements. So if smith wants his release like you all of a sudden think now how is this not a distraction and how is this not a *itch move? I guess the cpt save a backup cape will never come off for some. Like I asked Claude is it a personal problem you have with me rocket? Is it because I said if Smith Didnt become more consistent with big games he’d be benched and you’re upset that I was right?
It’s the Superbowl week and you and Claude seem a little mad about something. What kind of fan could be upset on a glorious week like this? Hmmmm
In a just world his new team would send the Niners one slice of burned toast as compensation. Afterall, that’s what they will be getting in Alex without Harbaugh and the Niners talented roster supporting him.
Why are some people so keen to hang onto a quarterback who wasnt much and had several shoulder injuries over his tenure here? Lol..tolzien is the next guy up behind Kap..hes learned Harbaughs system too..Alex is not the only Qb in town people or in the NFL..
I’m not a AS Lover. Before we even drafted CK I had already told all my friends that all I wanted the 49ers to draft that year was him and I’d be happy. I got laughed at for that bc he was out of Nevada but who’s laughing now. I’m just a team first guy that wants more wins than losses if CK would get injured at any point in time.
No matter what happens it all depends on where AS lands. The offensive scheme has to fit his talents as a QB. If the scheme is for a QB that can throw a 65+yd deep ball he will fail. If the scheme only requires him to throw 40 to 50 yds at the max and let the WR or TE do the rest he’ll do fine.
Cleveland seems like such a no brainer. Solid D, potentially great running game, an O-Line that has some good pieces. Add an efficient passing game and the team could be close to the playoffs.
The new coach and GM sound less than enthusiastic about old man Weeden.
Alex may well be the top QB option available to teams next season, and a modest bidding war among teams that desperately need a good QB is at least possible. QB rating over 100, lots of wins the past few years. So the 49ers should listen to Alex’s preferences and shade their negotiations in that direction but get the best deal for the 49ers. Alex does have some leverage in that he doesn’t have to sign a long term contract.
You don’t cut a player who has trade value. Period, end of story. Smith should bring at LEAST a 3rd round draft pick … this draft isn’t loaded at the QB position….which is good for the 49ers.
The 49ers have paid him millions and millions of dollars — they don’t owe him free agency.
If the report is true – Smith is a D-bag for opening his mouth during Super Bowl week.
With any luck, we get a draft pick for Alex. Compensation for him would be great, but given the situation wouldn’t be surprised if teams wait for him to be released. What I’m really curious about is what will the niners do with their draft picks this April……we need D linemen, CB, among other needs and quality depth. I wouldn’t be surprised if Baulke trades to stock pile picks down the road either.
Alex would be a perfect fit with the Jets. He has 2 years left on his contract and the Jets want someone to come in and “compete with Sanchez.” They’re not gonna find anyone better than Alex, who should beat our Sanchez and hold down the fort while the Jets decide if they want to go with him long term or start looking for a young QB in the 2014 draft.
Alex wouldn’t want to go to the Jets. He wants to start and he knows that Rex has a Sanchez fetish
Does Sanchez rubs Rex’s belly with his feet?
I hope Smith is a 49er next year, if not this board may cease to exist.
I wish certain so called 49ers fans didn’t exist because they give the 49ers a bad name. I’m a fan of the walsh and Eddie D dynasty and most of these 49er fans, other then trolling ESPN causing problems, don’t even know who Walsh or Eddie D were.
You know what I notice? Google anything 49er…and Grant,Lowell,and Bob’s writing is near the top.
And then you can read my posts..lol..
I feel almost drunk with power. Or its the Vodka.
The way Alex takes sacks and AZ gives them up, if Alex goes to Arizona, he’ll get himself killed. The New York media will eat him alive.
The Browns may suck, but it’s the best place for him to land.
I think Alex is worth a 3rd round pick. They should be able to get that from Cleveland, Buffalo, Jacksonville, KC, etc. I think that the best trade is for a conditional 3rd for 2014. If it is starts, completion percentage, etc. based, the 3rd round pick can be inflated into more. SF doesn’t need any more picks this year unless it is to move up in the draft. A 2014 pick is a 2013 pick minus a round. So saying a 3rd in 2014, that would equate to a 4th this year which isn’t a stretch by any means. I agree with let his agent do some work but I think a best bet for the niners is go for a conditional pick next draft cycle.