San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) warms up prior to the start against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. (John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports)
It’s not quite official, but the San Francisco 49ers have agreed to trade Alex Smith to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Jay Glazer of FOX Sports broke the news on Twitter.
"“49ers have completed a trade with the Chiefs for Alex Smith, tho can’t be official til March 12. Chiefs really made a commitment to Smith…Deal has been agreed upon between Chiefs and 49ers. Compensation unclear but I’m told again Chiefs have made a clear commitment to Smith.”- Jay Glazer (FOX Sports)"
With the first pick in the 2013 NFL draft, the Chiefs can now focus on an offensive tackle.
Ian Rapoport of NFL.com is reporting that the pick is for a second-round draft pick, at the very least.
"“1 GM told me Alex Smith compensation would be at least a 2nd (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000144193/article/alex-smiths-trade-value-brandon-weedens-ceiling-more-buzz …) if team felt it was more than a 1-yr commitment.” – Ian Rapoport (NFL.com)"
Taken with the first overall selection in the 2005 draft out of Utah, Smith’s best season came in 2011 when he had 3,144 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions in 16 games. He led the 49ers to the NFC Championship game where the 49ers lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants. Smith signed a 3-year deal worth $24 million after the 49ers couldn’t land Peyton Manning in the off season.
This past season, Smith had 1,737 yards (70% completion rate), 13 touchdowns and 5 interceptions in 10 games. He suffered a concussion, and was replaced by Colin Kaepernick who led the team to the Super Bowl.
The 49ers decision to stick with Kaepernick could have made Smith turn against his team, especially after the team made an attempt to lure Manning in the off season. Instead, he handled the situation like a true champ.
In the end, it looks like Manning will still turn up in Smith’s dreams since they’ll be playing each other twice per season in the AFC West.
The Chiefs just got a lot better very quickly, and now they’ll have some room to move in the draft.
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