Originally posted by dj43:
1. Baalke will pay him at least what he is getting now to keep him as a back up until CK has thoroughly proven he is reliable against multiple opponents. Note: Bears. Steelers. Others.
2. Right now 20+ plus teams would pay Smith starting money to play for them, hence they are likely to give up a 2nd round pick to get him if he is signed.
I don't see Smith leaving except by trade.
Really, then why didn't they do it when he was a free agent last year? You might get teams wanting him now when there are a lot of teams hurting because their QB is hurt like Pittsburgh or others, but come start of the off season, with FA and the draft, it is different. Also depends on who else is available. You also need to realize what is their game plan and does AS fit into their style of play. AS does not fit the packers, patriots or saints style. He would fit the Jets or any other team that has a strong running game and strong D. Like Pitt and the Ravens or even Texans, but these teams have their QBs. Their maybe others, that could use him, but they maybe riding on players they already have, Like the Vikings, Bengals and others like them where they have a young gun they intend to develope for the next 2-3 years.
Trade maybe a 3rd or 4th, depends, if Roman leaves for a HC job, he will get AS and draft someone to develope. Other teams might try and wait cause the niners may end up cutting him so that they can resign a player(s) like Dashon maybe before the draft starts or their other FA. If they trade it is because they don't want to bid for him with others. Perception is a key and others perception of AS is that he is a good decent QB, but not a superstar, you still have to sell what you are doing to the fan base you are working for which is fickle. Plus, the question will be, if he is so good the other GM wants to know why are you trading him?