Alex Smith's career with the San Francisco 49ers appears to be coming to an end. He's set to be traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, according to several news organizations, including Fox Sports:
Multiple reports cite that the 49ers will receive a second-round pick in the 2013 draft, which will be the second selection (No. 34 overall) in the round, and another conditional mid-round pick in 2014 ... The trade, which can't officially be made until March 12 when the new league year begins ...
Smith was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 NFL draft and was touted as the 49ers' quarterback of the future. But his performance on the field had been inconsistent, at least until the 2011-12 season, the Associated Press reports:
The 28-year-old Smith struggled for most of his career in San Francisco, plagued as much by coaching and coordinator changes as by his own indecisiveness. But when [Jim] Harbaugh became coach, Smith blossomed. He was among the league leaders in passer rating (104.1) with a 70.2 completion percentage when he was injured in a 24-24 tie against St. Louis.
That injury was a concussion which occurred Nov. 11.
Smith's injury turned out to be a pivotal moment for the 49ers. He was replaced as starter by Colin Kaepernick, who eventually was given the job full-time and led the team to the Super Bowl with plays like this:
Smith earned some praise from the media for how he handled questions during the Super Bowl about his demotion. This is how Yahoo! Sports reported what Smith said:
"[It's been] tough at times for sure, tough to accept, tough to watch, but we're in the Super Bowl. And this has been an amazing experience. It's a great team. I love being a part of it. I have said before, it's bittersweet a little bit, but still, it's been a great thing to be a part of."
Although he was occasionally booed at Candlestick Park, Smith did have some supporters in San Francisco. Some 49ers fans today are Tweeting praises for no. 11.