49ers have a deal for Alex Smith but trade partner still unknown
The San Francisco 49ers have reportedly have “effectively” made a trade to get rid of their back up quarterback and it seems the only thing standing between Alex Smith joining his new team is the official beginning of the new NFL season on March 12.
NFL Insider Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com said in a tweet on Sunday:
The 49ers have expressed to others that a deal for QB Alex Smith is effectively complete. Can’t be finalized til league year begins 3/12
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) February 24, 2013
The team Smith has been traded to is still a mystery. The San Francisco Chroncile narrowed down the most likely trade candidates to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs are the only team to not deny the possibility of a trade.
The Jaguars GM Dave Caldwell told Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union via text they had not made the deal. A source told the Cleveland Plain Dealer the Browns are not the team involved in the trade.
NBC Sports is reporting the 49ers are lying about the trade they are claiming to have worked out, citing a tweet from The Sacramento Bee’s Mike Barrows.
With the caveat that everyone fibs at this time of the year: I’m told the #49ers do not have a trade deal in place for Alex Smith.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) February 25, 2013
