In a widely-publicized move, San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs have made the first major trade of the season. Despite San Francisco denying trade rumors all week, Fox’s Jay Glazer reports that the former 2005 first-round draft choice may be getting a desired change of venue.
Prior to the deal, speculation was that the 49ers would pay Smith’s $9.75 million contract as a backup plan in case thing went awry with franchise QB, Colin Kaepernick. With Kapernick set to make just $1.4 million on what is still a rookie contract, Smith’s cap hit was not considered to be detrimental to making improvements to their disappointing finish to the 2012 season. That was until Kansas City sweetened the pot for Coach John Harbaugh and company.
The trade reportedly allows the 49ers to receive a 2013 2nd round selection from the Chiefs, with a similar pick for the 2014 Draft as well. Not a bad return for a guy that had almost no chance of seeing the field this season in the Bay area. Of course, this deal cannot actually be completed until Free Agency officially opens on March 12th.
Further analysis of the trade shows that both teams stand to prosper as a result of the exchange. For the Chiefs, Andy Reid has the chance to mold a signal caller that has had an up and down career in the NFL. If there is one head coach in the NFL that can develop a player at QB, it’s Andy Reid.
Think about it, this is a man who is responsible for the revival of Michael Vick’s career, a major pay day for Kevin Kolb with the Arizona Cardinals. Chip Kelly also owes Reid a thank you for drafting a future franchise QB in Nick Foles. Reid grooms quarterbacks and will be getting a guy very much in the prime of his career to work with.
For those not sold on what Smith has to offer, maybe this will put it into perspective. Prior to a concussion, which relegated Smith to a backup role, the league was buzzing over Alex Smith and his ability to finally play up to the expectations coming out of college. There was even discussion for Smith as an MVP candidate. In his eight starts this season, Smith led his team to a record of (6-2) while throwing for over 1,600 yards and 13 TD passes and only 5 interceptions.
While 1,600 yards is a bit low for an elite QB, look at Smith’s targets. Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis are more than serviceable, but beyond those two not much depth is available. Also factor in that San Francisco relies heavily on the rushing attack led by Frank Gore and Smith’s numbers begin to look better and better.
Receiving compensatory draft picks will allow the 49ers to select some playmakers to add to Kaepernick’s arsenal. With playmakers like Cordarelle Patterson, Tavon Austin, Keenan Allen well within reach of where San Francisco drafts, the team stands to benefit offensively. It is feasible that with the 31st selection and the 34th overall pick (from KC) to shore up needs at wide receiver and in the secondary. Players like Tavon Austin and FIU’s John Cyprien project to fall at or near these picks.
San Francisco has the flexibility to trade picks to get a high first round choice, or they can trade down for more picks in a relatively deep draft class. Drafting Frank Gore’s eventual replacement could be an option in 2013 as well. Montee Ball, Eddie Lacy, Le’Veon Bell are all bigger backs like Frank Gore that could compliment the speedy LaMichael James, who is already on the current roster.
In the end, this deal favors both teams. Andy Reid can now use his number one overall pick on a player to protect his new QB and look to free agency to add some weapons to Smith’s arsenal. Mike Wallace, Wes Welker, and in-house candidate Dwayne Bowe would all allow Smith a chance to shine in KC. San Francisco sheds some much-needed cap space which should be thrown to lock up Kaepernick long-term. After all, that was the thought-process that made this whole trade possible.
