Alex Smith Will Not Return with 49ers Next Season

**RGM81** · 02-01-2013, 12:07 AM

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap100...9ers-nears-end

Alex Smith knows he is entering his final days as a San Francisco 49er.
Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports that Smith will not be a member of the team next year. The 49ers will try to trade him, but they will cut him early out of respect to Smith if nothing happens quickly.

The news of Smith's eventual departure is not a huge shock, but it's very notable that the team would be amenable to possibly cutting Smith. Rapoport notes that the 49ers have a strong relationship with Smith and his agent, Tom Condon. They believe he's earned the right to pick a team and be treated right.
So what teams are interested in Alex Smith?
So far: The Buffalo Bills, Arizona Cardinals, Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs. The New York Jets have not shown interest yet. (Of course, any official contact would be against league rules at this stage.

I guess this was a foregone conclusion but it is still a bit disappointing to see. He's handled this demotion will class and been the consummate professional and teammate during the entire process of Kapernick's rapid ascension. I hope he ends up going to a good organization where he can thrive and continue to build upon the foundation he's had in place the past couple years.

And wherever that should be, I've got a good sized collection of cards to send to the fanbase of that team.

**LancerArmstrong** · 02-01-2013, 01:16 AM

No way he'll go to the Jets. Ryan clearly has special feelings for Sanchez that goes beyond the employee-employer relationship.

KC, meet Alex Smith.

**Riggs** · 02-01-2013, 10:16 AM

He needs to land in arizona, if thats an option.

**meandsharon11** · 02-01-2013, 10:44 AM

well arizona has no qb. they need one. alex smith isnt a big passer so it will depend on the head coach. they would have to set up a heavy run game and their running backs are suspect as well as the o-line. they need to rebuild in arizona. if smith goes there it will be like archie manning when he went to new orleans.

**duane1969** · 02-01-2013, 12:20 PM

I don't see why any team would be willing to trade for him. He is a glorified back-up at best. Only thrown for 3000 yards one time, never thrown for 20 TDs in a season, career completion of 59%, win-loss record of 38-36-1. If my team needed a QB and he is who we got I would be EXTREMELY unhappy.

**LancerArmstrong** · 02-01-2013, 12:29 PM

Do u think he's the best choice out of all the free agents and rookie qbs? I don't see many that are better, at this point. Vick being the only exception.

Originally Posted by duane1969

I don't see why any team would be willing to trade for him. He is a glorified back-up at best. Only thrown for 3000 yards one time, never thrown for 20 TDs in a season, career completion of 59%, win-loss record of 38-36-1. If my team needed a QB and he is who we got I would be EXTREMELY unhappy.

**angel0430** · 02-01-2013, 03:24 PM

Any team that gets him is going to get a really good QB and a gentleman.

**RGM81** · 02-01-2013, 03:43 PM

Originally Posted by duane1969

I don't see why any team would be willing to trade for him. He is a glorified back-up at best. Only thrown for 3000 yards one time, never thrown for 20 TDs in a season, career completion of 59%, win-loss record of 38-36-1. If my team needed a QB and he is who we got I would be EXTREMELY unhappy.

You have to factor into the context of those numbers the turmoil facing the 49ers for some of those years. You don't get a first overall selection by being world-beaters, after all. The franchise went through numerous offensive coordinators and personnel over the years, so there was never an opportunity to settle into a proper system. Once stability came to the 49ers, you get a much more accurate reflection of his capabilities...

Season	Team	GP	Rating	Att	Comp	Pct	Yds	TD	INT

2011	San Francisco 49ers	16	90.7	445	273	61.3	3144	17	5
2012	San Francisco 49ers	10	104.1	218	153	70.2	1737	13	5

Those are some pretty solid numbers and while they're not dominant QB levels like a Rodgers, Brees, Manning, or Brady, you can't argue against 13-3 and 6-2 records over the past two years, and a muffed punt return away from a Super Bowl appearance. He's not a general, he's a manager, but he's pretty good at that.

**boba** · 02-01-2013, 04:17 PM

Originally Posted by LancerArmstrong

No way he'll go to the Jets. Ryan clearly has special feelings for Sanchez that goes beyond the employee-employer relationship.

KC, meet Alex Smith.

Sources have confirmed that Sanchez lets Rex rub his feet in turn for starts.