The San Francisco 49ers would welcome QB Alex Smith's return. The Associated Press is running a story indicating that 49ers GM Trent Baalke extended an "olive branch" QB Alex Smith before the lockout hit. In other words, they want Smith to return in 2011.
San Francisco 49ers Want QB Alex Smith To Return
This isn’t a big surprise to those that have been following the 49ers closely. New head coach Jim Harbaugh has consistently sung Smith’s praises suggesting that, if a contract can be worked out, Smith would return.
From my view, it’s a no-brainer to bring Smith back.
With the NFL lockout the 49ers likely need a veteran who understands the offense. Players and coaches can’t communicate during the lockout and if it extends into late summer or early fall, they’ll need someone who can step in and play with little preparation. That would be Smith.
The 2011 NFL draft also plays into this. The 49ers likely won't have a shot at one of the top two quarterbacks -- QB Cam Newton or QB Blaine Gabbert -- so it's unlikely they'll find a day one starter through the draft. If they did select a quarterback at some point in the draft, then Smith is a logical candidate to bridge the gap until he's ready.
That said, Smith has a ways to go to prove he’s a long-term solution at quarterback. Since becoming the No. 1 overall pick six years ago, he has yet to demonstrate that.
SB Nation’s Niners Nation has been on this from the start so head over there and see what they’re saying about Smith.
See More:
