Alex Smith - Yes, ALEX SMITH - Turned Down a 1-Year Offer with the Niners

I'm trying to hop aboard the Jim Harbaugh bandwagon, but his infatuation with Alex Smith is really making it difficult.

Even Alex isn't eager to be
a 49er again.

Matt Barrows has reported that Harbaugh is still pursuing Smith (he thinks Alex has skin like an armadillo, for whatever that's worth) and that there's a one-year deal on the table for Smith. So far, Smith has decided to test the free agent waters, which is something the 49ers should probably consider if they want to foster some goodwill among their increasingly frustrated fanbase.

I know there are plenty of folks who visit this blog that think keeping some consistency at the quarterback position is a smart move. I'm not one of them. Even if there is some upside that is still remaining with Smith, I don't want to see him try to attain it in a 49ers uniform. I've seen enough, and anybody who spends time on other Niner blogs or listens to local sports radio can clearly understand that the majority of Niner fans want to see both Smith and the 49ers turn the page and move along on their separate paths.

This isn't a York thing. This is a football thing. Most of us are tired of watching Alex Smith play football for the 49ers. I'd much rather see the Niners take a chance and pick up a Marc Bulger or Matt Hasselbeck, who have proven they can win a few games and play Pro Bowl caliber football, then try to coax an adequate performance out of Smith.

Besides, what if the 49ers sign Smith to a one-year deal and he actually plays decently (not great, not good, just DECENTLY)? The team will either be forced to sign him to a long-term deal (again) or let him walk via free agency. Is that really worth the risk for the 2011 season?