The San Francisco 49ers are clearly ready to move with Colin Kaepernick as their starter and franchise quarterback, so the question now becomes what will the team do with former starting quarterback, Alex Smith. Sources believed the team would attempt to trade Smith, but now general manager Trent Baalke says the team is highly unlikely to let go of Smith.
Smith was the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2005, but lost the starting job to Kaepernick last season while sitting out due to a concussion. Baalke had dinner with Smith to discuss his position on the team and said no decision has been made on quarterback's future and that the team has not discussed trading him.
"We had a great discussion. I can't say enough good things. And I think if you ask anyone in our organization, they would say the same thing. He is a pro. And I have nothing but great respect for him, his family, and we're certainly going to do everything in our power to make the best decision for everyone involved," Baalke said.
The team intends on looking at all options when considering what is best for Smith, but Baalke continued to stress that the team has made no decision on if they are going to trade him.
With no clear No. 1 quarterback in the year's draft, the chance Smith could be traded is better than ever. Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs could make a go at the quarterback if they are unhappy with the way this year's draft class is looking. The Chiefs have not drafted a quarterback in the first round of the NFL draft since picking Todd Blackledge seventh overall in 1993. It is the longest quarterback drought in the league.
Smith suffered a concussion Nov. 11 against the St. Louis Rams that ultimately led to Kaepernick taking over the starting role. He was the league's leading passer at the time, but was never put back in the starting role. Smith had completed 26 of his 28 passes, including going 18 for 19 for 232 yards and three touchdowns in a win against Arizona on Oct. 29. When Smith sat out a game, Kaepernick dazzled in his debut and continued to be the hot hand throughout the remainder of the season.
Smith still has a lot he could off a team in need of a change at quarterback. He comes with playoff experience and leadership that all rookie quarterbacks do not possess.
