Report: 49ers will try to trade QB Smith
The San Francisco 49ers will try to trade quarterback Alex Smith during the offseason, ESPN.com reported Sunday.
Smith reportedly has asked to be released, but the 49ers apparently will keep him and try to get something in exchange.
The ESPN.com report suggests there may be several teams interested in trading for Smith.
New Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Norv Turner worked with Smith when he was the 49ers' offensive coordinator in 2006, and new Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has shown interst in Smith in the past.
Also, if the 49ers trade Smith instead of releasing him, it would save the team the $1 million or $2 million roster bonus it must pay if he is released.
Smith, 28, was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 draft.
He lost his starting job this season to Colin Kaepernick while sitting out with a concussion. Smith had a 6-1 record as a starter this season and had the second best passer rating in the league at the time. He had completed 26 of his last 28 passes when he was replaced.
