49ers could be in awkward territory

If Alex Smith were a bad quarterback or a faultier person, the 49ers already would have let him go without a blink or full explanation.

That is what Jim Harbaugh and Trent Baalke did with running back Brandon Jacobs near the end of last season, remember?

Jacobs got hurt, got passed over, complained on social media, got suspended, and then he was gone, goodbye.

Smith is an entirely different case with immensely more credibility in the 49ers’ locker room, of course.

He still is just 28, has proved he can win as an NFL starting quarterback and has earned the respect of his teammates; and Smith wants to go to a team that will give him a chance to start next season.

Which all puts increasing weight on the 49ers’ pending decision on Smith’s future, due any week now.

Really, beyond the roster strategies, there is one broad conclusion about this one:

If the 49ers force Smith to stay and back up Colin Kaepernick, they will be treading into very awkward territory.

For the first time in the Harbaugh-Baalke era, a personnel decision could upset the locker-room mood and push other players to wonder about their own futures under this regime.

OK, I agree that Smith has value as a QB insurance policy behind Kaepernick and that the 49ers have the right to consider this.

Smith has a contract for next season, and the 49ers certainly could afford his $7.5 million salary because Kaepernick’s figure is so low.

But this is a team that has been built on trust and fidelity to each other; if you do what you’re supposed to do and support your teammates, everyone benefits.

That’s what Harbaugh has preached, that’s what this locker room has responded to and that’s exactly what Smith did even after his injury opened the door for Kaepernick’s ascension.

If Smith had been petulant after he was demoted, there would be no discussion now: He would be an ex-49er ASAP.

But Smith has behaved to the 49ers ideal, after going through so much in his earlier years here. He completed 70 percent of his passing attempts last season, and his 104.1 passer rating would have ranked third-best in the league if he had enough attempts to qualify.

That should not work to his detriment now, and there are important voices in the 49ers locker room that are subtly making that point.

Let’s go back to something Frank Gore — in many ways, the soul of this roster — said during Super Bowl week.

“I respect Alex so much,” Gore said. “He’s been through so much since he’s been in the NFL.

“He comes in early still, studies film like he’s the starter, and I respect him. We came in together, and I’ve seen everything he’s gone through. So whatever happens after this, I wish the best for him.”

Gore also said he knows Smith can be a starter elsewhere, and that’s what Gore wishes for him. Joe Staley, Vernon Davis and Aldon Smith have said similar things.

So, yes, even Alex Smith’s best friends on the team can accept the way he lost the job, because Kaepernick was such an instant revelation.

But the feelings would probably change if the 49ers kept Smith — and his salary —- as insurance when the money could be used to sign Dashon Goldson long term or keep Delanie Walker from leaving as a free agent.

That would raise eyebrows in the 49ers locker room — and around the league.

Naturally, 49ers officials have stressed that all options are possible; other than that, as is their custom, the 49ers are keeping mum on this.

But in the big picture, they have more reason to either release Smith by March 12 (when he is due a $1 million payment) or trade him before April 1 (when his full salary would be guaranteed) than they do to keep him.

If the 49ers can get a second- or third-round pick from Cleveland, Kansas City or Buffalo for Smith (and if Smith is agreeable to the landing spot), that’s the deal to do.

A smart trade also would block Smith from going to division rival Arizona, which I think the 49ers very much want to avoid (and is a reason they don’t want to cut him and let him hit the open market).

The next step: If they let Smith go, the 49ers would need another backup quarterback. But Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman have picked and trained a series of quality quarterbacks in recent years.

Maybe Scott Tolzien is ready to move to the No. 2 slot, or maybe the 49ers can resuscitate someone from the veteran scrap heap, as they did Smith two years ago.

Smith did his part for Harbaugh &Co., and he has graciously stepped aside for Kaepernick.

The 49ers should complete the process by letting Smith move on — it would be applauded in their locker room, it would free up some money, and it also happens to be the right thing.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 8-17

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 8-17. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Silvertips’ playoff picture coming together as season hits final week

Everett is officially the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed and is likely heading into a matchup with Kelowna or Vancouver.

Los Angeles Rams offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum (72) against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Seahawks add to position of need, sign guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr.

The 25-year-old has played in 31 games, starting once, since being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.

Everett Community College head coach Chet Hovde watches as the women's team practices on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
EvCC coach Chet Hovde, who ‘lived for’ basketball, dies at 77

Coach Hovde graduated from Everett High School in 1965. He spent 33 years as the women’s basketball coach at the community college.

Jackson’s Ian Friedrichsen celebrates his goal with his teammates during the game against Bothell on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys soccer: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines for this high school boys soccer season

Jackson’s Rachel Sysum is hugged by Leneyah Mitchell after hitting a home run during the game against Bothell on Friday, May 19, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines to keep an eye on this high school softball season.

X
Prep roundup for Friday, March 15

Prep roundup for Friday, March 15: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Glacier Peak’s Samantha Christensen runs to home plate to celebrate her home run with her teammates during the game against Snohomish on Friday, March 15, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
GALLERY: Glacier Peak softball tops rival Snohomish

The Grizzlies prevail 9-5 in a clash of area powers.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

The Washington Wolfpack logo is revealed during the Everett AFL team unveiling at Tony V's Garage in Everett, Washington onThursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett’s new arena football team to have 4 televised games

The NFL Network will broadcast 30 AFL games this season, including two Wolfpack home games.

Washington coach Mike Hopkins yells to the team during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against California, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Seattle. California won 82-80. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Looking back at Mike Hopkins’ turbulent tenure as UW men’s basketball coach

The departing Huskies coach had highs early, but the good times didn’t last long.

X
Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16

Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.