:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/8676799/20130208_mjr_su5_090.0.jpg)
One of the big stories for this NFL offseason is what will happen with quarterback Alex Smith. After losing his starting job with the San Francisco 49ers, all signs point to his being traded or being released. With several teams looking to upgrade at the quarterback position, a few teams, including the Arizona Cardinals could be possible suitors for Smith's services.
However, if reports are true, all the fun chatter that would accompany trade rumors and speculation of a release and visits with other teams is dead. CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reported that the 49ers have a deal in place for Smith but is waiting for March 12 when the transaction can be made.
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
so it's not official, both clubs view it at as it's effectively done. I do not know the other team. KC and JAX are 2 teams that make sense
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) February 24, 2013
Immediately people began thinking about the Chiefs, the Browns and the Cardinals. Apparently the Browns are out, say Cleveland Plains Dealer reporter Mary Kay Cabot.
Per @jasonlacanfora's report that 49ers have a trade in place for qb alex smith, #browns are not that team, source tells Pd.
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) February 25, 2013
As for the possibility that it is the Cardinals, there has bee no local chatter at all, which would lend itself to be that they are not the team.
Is it Kansas City? It would clear some things up for them. They would have the starting quarterback and then they could use their number one pick in the draft to take someone like Luke Joeckel, the heralded left tackle. The Chiefs already have some talented skill players and add a potentially elite left tackle, and you have a similar recipe for Alex Smith success.
If the deal is in fact going to happen, that takes the Smith possibility off the table for the Cards.
Where does that leave them? It would take the best available quarterback out of consideration, leaving Kevin Kolb (with a restructured contract), some unheralded free agent or a rookie as the candidates to be the Cards' guy. In other words, the situation is not any better than before.
Keep up with Cardinals news and opinions when you are not on the site. Follow Revenge of the Birds on Twitter at @revengeofbirds and "like" us on Facebook. You can follow me individually at @senorjessroot.