Alex Smith

[kevin44]

Is anyone worried that we haven't signed him? His deal should have been done by Monday night. No deal, no word on the deal except it will be 3 years. What is the hold up?

[Sandlot]

No. We will sign him. I'm sure they are just arguing about money. I doubt there is anyone else making significant offers to him.

[GSWoverdose]

No need to be worrying, I honestly wouldn't mind taking Jason Campell if it isn't the right price which as it stands right now it's not.

[thesack12]

This is a recycled post I made in the "ask Jeff Risdon a question thread", but its relevant here.

I can only hope that the reason why the extension has not been signed yet is because Frisco is looking into other options.

I personally am not an Alex fan in the slightest. Everybody talks about how he had this good season, but truthfully it was only good by Alex standards. The 9ers played hide the quarterback offense all season, even with the limited pass attempts Alex still got sacked more than anybody in the entire league. True some of that is on the o-line, but everybody knows that QB protection starts with the quarterback. Its why Brees/Manning and those guys take very few sacks. Alex just doesn't have the pocket awareness or instincts. Alex's sacks per passing attempts is 1/10, thats ridiculous. Frisco also struggled terribly in the red zone, and set a record for most FG's in NFL history. Again, that can partly be blamed on the receiving corps and o-line once again, but Alex doesn't exactly know how to throw guys open or make the difficult throws either.

True Alex didn't lose many games for Frisco, but he also didn't win them any. Frisco had such a good year because the defense was dominant, and they had a solid running game. All of which meant that they controlled the clock/flow of the game. I am not sure they can duplicate that type of dominance again, this is a passing league. The only reason they beat the Saints was attributed to 5 Saint turnovers, a lot of those which gave the ball to the 9ers in their own territiory.

Harbaugh hand picked Colin Kaepernick, so he is obviously high on him. However Kaep probably needs at least another year of development. I would love to see Frisco (finally) pull the plug on Alex and bring in a guy like Garrard for a 1 year stopgap. I think Garrard could easily provide what Alex did last season, probably even more so. I also could see Harbaugh bringing in one of his former students in Josh Johnson for a 1 year look. Johnson probably isn't as good of an option as either Garrard or even Alex, but the fit would be perfect and would only have to suffice for a year while Kaep is being groomed.

Randy Moss is definitely not going to like Alex Smith as the guy trying to get him the ball. I can't imagine Brandon Lloyd being too keen on that either, should he decide to sign there after his visit.

Either way, I just hope Frisco does not cave and give Alex the 5 years. The alleged 3 year offer on the table, is bad enough.

[kevin44]

Jason Campell is off to the Bears. Josh Johnson or Flynn are the only guys still unsigned.

[Sandlot]

Highly unlikely that we are going after someone else. I also really don't think Garrard is better than Smith either but that's just my opinion.
The only way we go after someone else is if Smith signs somewhere else. That or we are really dumb. If we are going to go after someone else then we should already be talking to them, specifically Manning. The Niners want Smith back.

[thesack12]

Garrard has accomplished the same caliber of play as Alex did last year, but with a worse surrounding team. Garrard also has done that for multiple seasons, as opposed to Alex's one hit wonder that really wasn't even good.

Not saying Garrard is a great or even good player, but IMO he definitely is not a downgrade from Alex. Plus, Frisco only needs a one year stopgap because Harbaugh will plug in Kaepernick in the near future.

IMO Garrard for 1 year is a MUCH better option than Alex for 5 years or even the reported 3 year offer on the table. I would say Josh Johnson for 1 year is a better option as well. Look at it this way: If Harbaugh can coach up Alex to be competent, he can do the same with a lot of guys.

Outside of Frisco, Alex has no other suitors. His best options would be going to either the Jets to push Sanchez, or Denver to push Tebow (if they don't get Peyton.) He won't start anywhere else. Cleveland and Miami will grab Flynn or draft somebody, they don't want Alex.

[kevin44]

Nobody wants Smith. The Dolphins rather sign Garrard who coming off back surgery & hasn't played in a year. I am sure were getting Smith back.

[Stannis]

Is anyone worried that we haven't signed him? His deal should have been done by Monday night. No deal, no word on the deal except it will be 3 years. What is the hold up?

I think Alex Smith has some leverage. 49ers are limited to other QB alternatives. They tried to get Peyton Manning and failed and now Alex Smith is their back up. Alex Smith is going to wait till the last minute to sign and try to get paid as much as possible.

[Sandlot]

Is anyone worried that we haven't signed him? His deal should have been done by Monday night. No deal, no word on the deal except it will be 3 years. What is the hold up?

I think Alex Smith has some leverage. 49ers are limited to other QB alternatives. They tried to get Peyton Manning and failed and now Alex Smith is their back up. Alex Smith is going to wait till the last minute to sign and try to get paid as much as possible.

Looks like he didn't have as much leverage as you thought. Signed the same 3 year deal that's been on the table.

[Sandlot]

So how do you think Smith does next year? Does the Peyton debacle affect him at all? Was last year a fluke?
I believe he will be even better with a full off season and better wideouts. He's going to have no excuses this year. I'm looking forward to it but I am a little worried about his confidence.

[Stannis]

Is anyone worried that we haven't signed him? His deal should have been done by Monday night. No deal, no word on the deal except it will be 3 years. What is the hold up?

I think Alex Smith has some leverage. 49ers are limited to other QB alternatives. They tried to get Peyton Manning and failed and now Alex Smith is their back up. Alex Smith is going to wait till the last minute to sign and try to get paid as much as possible.

Worst predication ever!

[Stannis]

Is anyone worried that we haven't signed him? His deal should have been done by Monday night. No deal, no word on the deal except it will be 3 years. What is the hold up?

I think Alex Smith has some leverage. 49ers are limited to other QB alternatives. They tried to get Peyton Manning and failed and now Alex Smith is their back up. Alex Smith is going to wait till the last minute to sign and try to get paid as much as possible.

Looks like he didn't have as much leverage as you thought. Signed the same 3 year deal that's been on the table.

I was way off.

[Sandlot]

Actually I guess he got more guaranteed than originally thought so that might have helped some.

[NBAtweeter]

Its all part of the politics of the biz... and expected.