Niners to try and trade Smith

No surprise here but quarterback Alex Smith won’t be back with the San Francisco 49ers next season. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com is reporting that the team won’t outright release him, they’ll first try to trade him. Rapaport also says there are a few teams that there are two, possibly three teams interested in him.

Alex Smith will not be a member of #49ers next year. They will try to trade him first. Then if nothing happens, cut him early out of respect

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 30, 2013

Who are interested in Alex Smith? Teams you would think — Bills, Cardinals, maybe Eagles. Not the Jets, though. At least not yet.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 30, 2013

If those three teams truly are interested then the Niners should be able to get a decent draft pick for him, likely a mid-rounder. Only thing is Rapoport says the team won’t shop him for long.

#49ers have strong relationship with Alex Smith & Tom Condon his agent. They believe he’s earned the right to pick a team, be treated right

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 30, 2013

If any of those teams trade for him, he’ll most likely be a stopgap QB while a young guy is groomed. Much like 2012 was for him.

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Tags: Alex Smith, Arizona Cardinals, Buffalo Bills, NFL, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers