We have reported before that the San Francisco 49ers were not going to release back up quarterback Alex Smith, but that they could possibly trade him to one of the many teams that have a hole at the position.
Now according to Jason LaCanfora of CBSSports.com, the deal is all but done, the question is, with who?
The 49ers have expressed to others that a deal for QB Alex Smith is effectively complete. Can’t be finalized til league year begins 3/12
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) February 24, 2013
So the deal is done, but we won’t find out who until the league year starts in 3 weeks. That is a LONG time for something to go down and for deals to break down.
LaCanfora went on to speculate that the two teams that he sees as the likeliest trade partners are the Kansas City Chiefs and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Considering what they have invested in Blaine Gabbert, I don’t see the Jaguars taking Smith. Kansas City makes the most sense and given the timing of the deal, I think Smith is a Chief when the season starts. Other teams that make sense, like the Jets and Cardinals, would not tip their hand this soon.