February 25, 2013

49ers Have Deal to Trade Alex Smith: The San Francisco 49ers have a deal in place to trade quarterback Alex Smith when swaps can take place in March, team officials told CBS Sports. The most likely destination is Kansas City. Smith, the first overall pick in the 2005 draft, led the 49ers to a 13-3 record and the playoffs two seasons ago. He earns $8.5 million this season and $7.5 million in 2014.

posted by rcade to football at 10:17 AM - 12 comments

If the Chiefs release Cassel, wonder if the Pats will try to retrieve him as a devalued player that could fit right back in to their system. Plus know his place in the universe and stay put for the duration rather than chase other opportunities down the road.

My favorite Alex Smith-related quoted opinion: if Blaine Gabbert were coming out of college and into the draft this year, he'd be the best QB on the board.

Now I've got to remember where I saw that. Might have been from the folks over at Stormforce, who admire the fair, chiseled-cheeked Gabbert no matter what his stats look like.

posted by beaverboard at 12:31 PM on February 25, 2013

I meant Stormfront. Apologies to all meteorologists and awning companies.

posted by beaverboard at 02:07 PM on February 25, 2013

If the Pats trade Mallett, you may be right beaverboard - but what the Pats really need is a young QB to groom to be Brady's successor, which they have right now, so I hope that doesn't happen.

The Chiefs would be wise to pick up a steady arm like Smith - ultimately freeing them up to take an OT or DT at #1 and dramatically make their team better. The QB's in this draft are shaky at best and getting the opportunity to install a perennial all-pro lineman is going to benefit them quicker and longer than a QB who may/may not develop.

posted by dfleming at 03:27 PM on February 25, 2013

I meant Stormfront.

I'm embarrassed to admit I knew what you meant. 88!

posted by yerfatma at 04:53 PM on February 25, 2013

Wanted: A decent QB who can just get it close to me. Send applications to Larry Fitz.com

posted by Debo270 at 08:20 AM on February 26, 2013

And the apparent winner of the Alex Smith sweepstakes is (drum roll please).......

posted by NerfballPro at 03:17 PM on February 27, 2013

Smith was a barely mundane Quarterback when saddled with bad coaching. I don't expect big things of him in KC.

He is, at least, cheaper than Sanchez.

posted by Mr Bismarck at 03:33 PM on February 27, 2013

Andy Reid made an ex-convict into a pro-bowler. He made Kevin Kolb many millions of dollars. He had Philidelphia a perennial playoff contender with Donovan McNabb at the helm. I give Alex a pretty decent chance in KC, even though he is limited as to the types of routes he can complete.

posted by cixelsyd at 04:20 PM on February 28, 2013

Andy Reid made an ex-convict into a pro-bowler

Does going to jail take away your Pro Bowl status? Because Vick went three times before going to jail. And I'm not sure Kevin Kolb is an argument in favor of Reid's QB judgement.

posted by yerfatma at 05:45 PM on February 28, 2013

I feel really bad for Alex Smith. He went through countless offensive coordinators in San Fran, played without decent receivers, put up with Singletary, finally had a good season after a quarterback-loving head coach who understood him took over, and was in the midst of leading the Niners to another NFC championship game when some upstart youngster snagged his starting gig (and only because he sat out ONE GAME with a concussion).

What a bum deal. I wish him the best wherever he lands.

posted by Goyoucolts at 06:33 PM on February 28, 2013

Yeah, it does feel like he's not getting a fair shake, because when he falls flat on his face in Kansas City (most likely with multiple Denver pass rushers on top of him), every talking head is going to say how that last season-and-a-half in San Francisco was an anomaly and Smith is a bust. Ok, so they won't say "anomaly", but you get the idea.

posted by yerfatma at 07:54 AM on March 01, 2013

I don't think there's any shame in Smith being regarded as a QB who was only able to excel in one system. There are more than a few guys in that category, and others who were never put to the adaptability test because they were fortunate enough to play most or all their careers for one team or coach with an compatible philosophy.

Harbaugh clearly has the ability to optimize a QB. For all we know, he might have been able to make a soldier out of Leinart.

posted by beaverboard at 08:25 AM on March 01, 2013

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