The fallout from the 49ers’ pursuit of Peyton Manning is having a negative effect on Alex Smith, as we figured. Smith reportedly had a three-year contract offer from the Niners but didn’t sign it. Smith reportedly was concerned the team was interested in Peyton Manning, and he wanted to ensure he was only signing with a team that would make him the starter.
Smith is said to be unhappy with San Francisco so he visited with the Dolphins and reportedly is negotiating with them. Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports says Smith will only sign with Miami if the 49ers get Peyton Manning.
I wouldn’t be too worried if I were a 49ers fan. Even if the Niners lose both players, they will probably run with last year’s second-round pick, Colin Kaepernick, as their quarterback.
Miami seems like the left out team right now; they’re not getting Peyton Manning, they didn’t sign Matt Flynn, and now they’re negotiating with Smith and also hosting David Garrard. At this point, the Dolphins would be best served trying to build with a quarterback through the draft. Unfortunately I’m not sure if there is a franchise quarterback available for them now that the Colts and Redskins are getting the top two prospects. Maybe they need to live through another year with Matt Moore and hope to get a high draft pick next year.
