What’s Next For Alex Smith?

Added on Nov 29, 2012 by Scott in

NFL

Now that Niners head coach Jim Harbaugh has officially named Colin Kaepernick the new starter under center, Alex Smith once again finds himself in a familiar spot. Being jerked in and out of the lineup is nothing new for Smith, who has been benched multiple times during his eight seasons by the Bay. But this time feels different. Despite Smith playing some of the best ball of his career, he has been replaced by the younger, more athletic, more intriguing Kaepernick. Although Harbaugh has called his quarterback situation fluid, it’s abundantly clear that barring injury, it’s Kaepernick’s job to lose.

The real question is what’s next for Smith. He inked a three-year, $24 million contract in the offseason and it’s likely the Niners would prefer to keep him as insurance beyond 2012. However, a frustrated Smith may want to be released in order to find a starting gig elsewhere. But the fact that only Miami displayed any interest in him last spring may put a damper on any exit plans Smith may be entertaining. There will be open jobs on other teams, but it’s doubtful they’d will be willing to cough up more cash than Smith is currently earning.

Smith has limited skills and is seen as a game manager rather than a franchise signal-caller. He only started posting decent numbers after Harbaugh was hired and the run game and defense became dominant forces. Asking Smith to win games with his arm isn’t recommended, and in an increasingly pass heavy league, guys who can’t sling it 40 times a game are downgraded.

Look no further than 2011 first-round pick Blaine Gabbert, who looked lost and scared during his season and a half in Jacksonville; his days now appear numbered after Chad Henne proved he could run the offense at a much higher level. Christian Ponder is similar to Smith in that he’s getting by with a strong rush attack and a stout defense. Ponder has thrown for less than 100 yards (5) more than he has over 300 yards (2) in his 22 starts. Unless he shows significant improvement in 2013, he could end up sharing Smith’s fate.

Teams like Jacksonville, Kansas City, Arizona and Philadelphia will be auditioning for new quarterbacks soon, but Smith would represent nothing more than a stopgap, and not a very talented one. If he can swallow his pride one more time, and if San Fran will have him, he’s better off staying right where he is.