Alex Smith: Ranking the Best Fits for the 49ers QB in 2013

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Alex Smith is the premier free-agent-to-be quarterback in the NFL.

Well, Joe Flacco technically is, but after what he did during the playoffs, it's hard envisioning the Baltimore Ravens letting him go during the offseason. 

With an apparently lackluster quarterback class in the 2013 draft, many teams could use a steady stop-gap option like Smith. 

Which teams would provide the best fit for the signal-caller who started and nearly won the NFC title game a year ago?

Jacksonville Jaguars

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With Blaine Gabbert and Chad Henne, it's quite obvious that the Jacksonville Jaguars could use more talent at the quarterback position.

To some, Henne would be considered a stop-gap option, but after a hot start, he was a disappointment as the team's starter in 2012. 

Alex Smith could fill the signal-caller void before Jacksonville looks for another quarterback in a future draft, but without a ton of pass-catching talent, this wouldn't be the greatest fit. 

Arizona Cardinals

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Ryan Lindley. John Skelton. Kevin Kolb—the current quarterbacks on the Arizona Cardinals roster.

Clearly, an upgrade is needed. 

With Bruce Arians as the team's new head coach, there's a good chance he'll want his quarterback to lead his vertical passing attack. 

Alex Smith doesn't have a rocket arm, but he has shown than he can manage an offense under a smart offensive coach. 

New York Jets

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The New York Jets quarterback situation is disastrous and needs fresh blood. 

Due to the guaranteed money he's owed, Mark Sanchez, in all likelihood, will be on the roster in 2013, but he has proven to be far from capable as the starter. 

Alex Smith can manage a game much better than Greg McElroy, and he proved that he can be productive on a team with a good defense. 

While Gang Green must make improvements on the defensive side of the ball, it's hard to envision Rex Ryan not fielding a good defense for two years in a row.

Buffalo Bills

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The Buffalo Bills cannot progress as an organization with Ryan Fitzpatrick as their quarterback. 

With Doug Marrone as the team's new head coach, there is a distinct possibility that Syracuse quarterback Ryan Nassib is selected in the 2013 draft. 

But, before that, Buffalo's new coaching regime may decide that the veteran Smith is a better option until the talented 2014 class of quarterbacks are ready for the NFL. 

With C.J. Spiller, Stevie Johnson and a defense with plenty of talent, Smith certainly could produce with the Bills. 

Kansas City Chiefs

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Andy Reid will likely be looking for his quarterback as he begins his tenure in Kansas City. 

While many will point to Michael Vick as a potential acquisition, Smith is a much safer option and would be able to manage games with Jamaal Charles as the focal point of the offense. 

He may not be the ideal signal-caller for Reid's vertical passing offense, but he could be efficient in the Chiefs offense in 2013.