Professional Behavior - Smith Leaves 49ers On Top In All Respects - Sfgate

Alex Smith will exit that Bay Area in many ways number of may have envisioned a couple of years ago.

Appreciated. Honored. Perhaps possibly beloved.

Two several years ago, of which couldn't happen to be the case. Back then, as 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh has been commencing his reign, Smith has been an unwelcome necessity. The starting off quarterback because there have been very little other options. A hold-your-nose-and-deal-with-it choice.

Now Smith will probably give - within a industry being announced because a done offer with all the Kansas City Chiefs in which under league policies might be consummated about March twelve - to be a quarterback who's turned out which they can besides win games, however in addition conquer the particular fans. And alter his reputation from the process.

His 19-31 file like a beginning quarterback within the earliest five years of his employment includes come to be a great asterisk. His previous a couple seasons, each on and off the field, are generally exactly what will always be remembered. Not just simply his 20-6-1 track record to be a starter (particularly the "and -1," the actual Week on the lookout for connect with St. Louis exactly where this individual experienced a concussion which took the finish with his or her enjoying employment seeing that a 49er), women and men bar they placed for qualified behavior. Not just simply regarding this 49ers organization as well as pertaining to Bay Area sports, but for specialist players around general.

The data ended up being generally there before the Super Bowl throughout New Orleans. Wave after influx associated with reporters surged close to Smith, anticipating your peek of bitterness and also self-absorption. They emerged away empty, curious about when Smith appeared to be with regard to real. He was. While most of the actual 49ers embarrassed yourself to the major stage, Smith confirmed just what the idea means to always be a loyal teammate as well as some sort of professional .

A win-win trade

So it's installation of which the 49ers have structure a work that works for both parties. Smith will go to the particular Chiefs, a group with all the prospective to come back and one using a much time tradition as well as starving and loyal fans. He brings together former Philadelphia Eagles head train Andy Reid , who understands the offense plus quarterbacking along with who may have pores and skin while thick as Smith's. They the two received (to borrow a Harbaugh phrase) their particular armadillo skins the actual hard way. They will more than likely forge a sensible and genuine relationship: Smith will find out greater than to trust effusive praise; Reid will realize better than to be able to palm it out.

Kansas City may be a widely preferable ending up spot to Jacksonville or perhaps Cleveland, or perhaps Arizona, where there may be additional offensive talent however where brand-new travel coach Something within return

In turn, this 49ers will receive a higher draft opt for - that they will now have the 31st along with 34th pick in the draft, in essence two decreased first-round picks. The team's decision-makers at this point have got a cornucopia of set up recommendations plus treasured handful of roster destinations to fill, making it possible for them to be able to move with their hearts' pleasure on write weekend. And they may have limit place to help re-sign safety