Earlier it was reported that quarterback Alex Smith will ask to be released after being benched in favor of breakout QB Colin Kaepernick. Before that happens however the 49ers will try to see if they can get something in return. Read more after the jump.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the 49ers will try to trade Smith. Per Schefter, the Niners believe there will be suitors, given that plenty of teams need quarterbacks. Schefter specifically mentions the Chiefs and Browns as possible trade options.
I think Smith will have plenty of suitors because not only are there teams in need but he was having one of the best seasons of his career before going out with a concussion. Last year there were many quarterbacks with great potential in the draft, this year that isn’t the case.
Still, trading Smith would require his new team to pay $8.5 million in 2013 — and also to give something of value to the Niners. The new team may want to renegotiate the contract, and Smith may not be willing to do that.
Actually, Smith may think he could get more than $8.5 million in 2013 if he hits the open market and a team can sign him without giving pick(s) or player(s) to the 49ers.
Either way, look for a decision to be made quickly, and for a trade to happen only if all three legs of the stool (49ers, Smith, and Smith’s new team) are happy with the total transaction.
