49ers quarterback Alex Smith, who lost his job in the middle of the season after sustaining a concussion, has been traded to the quarterback-starved Kansas City Chiefs, according to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports.
Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News reported that the 49ers will receive a second-round pick from the Chiefs in 2013 and a similar undisclosed pick in 2014. The trade will not be made official until after 4:00 p.m. on March 12th, which begins the NFL year. Glazer added that the Chiefs have made a "clear commitment" to Smith financially, although the specific terms of Smith's agreement are unavailable.
The 49ers cleared $8.5 million in cap space by dealing Smith before April 1st, and the Chiefs believe they have found their quarterback of at least the near future. Smith was often criticized as a bust in league circles, until the arrival of Jim Harbaugh as head coach. In two seasons under Harbaugh Smith threw only 10 interceptions and developed a reputation as an intelligent signal-caller who could take care of the football. In 2010 alone, Smith threw 10 interceptions. Smith was drafted in 2005 with the first overall pick, ahead of future NFL and Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers, who fell to 24th where he was selected by the Green Bay Packers. Other notable selections in the 2005 draft were outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware, wide receiver Roddy White, and tight end Heath Miller.
This deal has repercussions for other quarterbacks as well. Matt Cassel, who opened the season as the starter but suffered through a miserable eight games before suffering a concussion that was cheered by his home fans, is expected to be cut which will save the Chiefs $7.5 million. The deal for Alex Smith likely puts the nail in the coffin for West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith's hopes of being taken first overall. His status as a first-rounder remains up in the air.
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