Never call the San Francisco 49ers quitters. After six long and frustrating years, the Alex Smith experiment continues in the Bay Area, as the team reached an agreement Tuesday to bring back the free agent quarterback on a one-year contract worth approximately $5 million, according to reports.
Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers Agree To One-Year Deal, According To Report
The first overall selection in the 2005 NFL draft, Smith entered into the league with enormous expectations following a stellar collegiate career under Urban Meyer at the University of Utah. Unfortunately, after six years mired by constant front office upheaval -- in which Smith has been matched with a different offensive coordinator each season -- those expectations have failed thus far to come to fruition.
Still, many have noted that the 27-year old made significant strides last season, throwing for 2370 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 11 games, while taking on a larger leadership role within the team. As SB Nation Bay Area describes, Smith continued that role this offseason.
Smith had been running off-season workouts with 49ers players during the lockout, and was dubbed ‘Camp Alex’ by many as he took the reigns and ran all of the offensive workouts without the help of any coaches.
After San Francisco drafted of Colin Kapernick in the second round of the 2011 NFL draft, several pundits jumped to dub the youngster as the future of the team. However, as this announcement makes clear, the near future still remains in the hands of the 49ers’ six-year investment.
For more on Alex Smith and the San Francisco 49ers, head to Niners Nation or SB Nation Bay Area.
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