The 49ers will not have make Alex Smith among the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL. Early speculation around the league is that the 49ers could re-sign Smith to a two- or three-year contract for $8 million to $11 million annually. It's possible that Harbaugh and his staff had no idea that Smith would be as efficient this season as he has turned out. But working with him every day, there is a belief that Smith can get better and the passing game can continue to improve. "When you're in a system for six months, you know it better than you did the first month," Harbaugh said. "And when you're in it 12 months, you know it better than you did at six months, particularly this system. I've seen evidence of that. And I think by two years in it, you're an expert and they're able to coach guys on it because they know it so well." Source: Comcast Sports
yep, i think that's the new standard going forth for an average starting nfl qb. the elite qb's will get $20-25 million/yr, good ones will get $15 mill/yr, and average ones will get $10 mill/yr. the new cba is structured in such a way that veterans will be making more per year while rookie contracts will be a fraction of what they were, which will help pay the vets more.
No such thing as a game manager in the NFL. The guys been playing well. Nothing the Niners would get in his place would be any better...
Who is better? Matt Flynn (GB) Kyle Orton (DEN) Jason Campbell (OAK) Donovan McNabb Chris Redman (ATL) Derek Anderson (CAR) Shaun Hill (DET) Drew Stanton (DET) Brady Quinn (DEN) David Garrard (FA) Luke McCown (JAC) Chad Henne (MIA) Sage Rosenfels (MIA) David Carr (NYG) Mark Brunell (NYJ) Kevin O'Connell (NYJ) Kyle Boller (OAK) Vince Young (PHI) Charlie Batch (PIT) Dennis Dixon (PIT) Byron Leftwich (PIT) Charlie Whitehurst (SEA) A.J. Feeley (STL) Josh Johnson (TB) Rex Grossman (WAS) Richard Bartel (ARZ) - Restricted Max Hall (ARZ) - Exclusive Rights Tyler Palko (KC) - Restricted Brian Hoyer (NE) - Restricted Chase Daniel (NO) - Restricted
Only ones on that list that COULD be better long term is Josh Johnson or Matt Flynn But that would be a huge leap of faith
that is one ugly list. Smith does the job he is asked to do in San Fran. Maybe having the same OC for a couple of years can also help. They don't need him to pass for 300 and 4 touchdowns a game.
