San Francisco 49ers Free Agency: Alex Smith Stays, Takeo Spikes Leaves

Alex Smith Agrees to One-Year Deal, Takeo Spikes off to San Diego

Alex Smith is one of the most heavily scrutinized players in the entire NFL. As he enters his seventh year, he's still waiting for his breakout season. Given that Smith was the No. 1 overall pick, his inability to live up to expectations has many fans outraged that the team continues to try to justify his presence on the roster.

At the end of last season, it seemed there was no way Smith was ever going to take another snap in a 49ers uniform. Even Smith had his doubts about playing in San Francisco when the season ended.

Everything changed when Jim Harbaugh took over the 49ers. Harbaugh is an authority on quarterbacks. To bring in the guy who groomed Andrew Luck was to fill the head coaching and quarterback voids at once, right?

It was somewhat surprising when Harbaugh very publicly took a liking to Smith. Surprising, but understandable. Due to the lockout, the 49ers would go into this prolonged offseason with only David Carr and a rookie draft pick under contract.

Rather than be obligated to trade for a quarterback, stick a rookie under center or try to bring in a veteran like Donovan McNabb through free agency, the 49ers and Harbaugh elected to keep Smith around.

The deal is for one year. That is key, as Colin Kaepernick could be ready to take the reigns next year. It also gives Smith the opportunity to show what he's got.

He's entering a contract year as the odds-on favorite for the starting job. Both sides benefit from the one-year deal. They are going to shell out around $5 million for his services, which is a more than a fair offer.

Much more concerning is the departure of Takeo Spikes, who has agreed to a deal with the San Diego Chargers. The 49ers are letting go of a fan-favorite and a critical piece in the front seven.

Spikes' departure isn't a huge blow to the 49ers, as Navorro Bowman is ready to step into the starting role. Even so, it's a shame to see the Patrick Willis/Takeo Spikes tandem broken up.

Spikes' veteran presence in the middle will be missed, but at 34 years old, Spikes' ability to play a full 16-game season is in question.

As Aubrayo Franklin and Nate Clements are likely on their way out, the 49ers should have plenty of money to throw at Dashon Goldson, Manny Lawson and free agent defenders from around the league, should they choose to do so.