NFL Free Agents 2012: 49ers Should Let Alex Smith Test Free Agency Market

I'm beginning to think the San Francisco 49ers should allow Alex Smith to test his worth in the open market.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com recently wrote a column about the fact that Alex Smith might be looking for the kind of contract the Buffalo Bills gave Ryan Fitzpatrick (six-year $59 million with $24 million guaranteed).

Maiocco suggests the issue isn't necessarily the $10 million per year. He says the guaranteed money could be what's holding things up during the negotiating process between Smith's agent, Tom Condon, and the 49ers.

I may be in the minority here, but as much as I love Alex and hope he returns next year as the starting quarterback, I don't even think he is worth $10 million per year. I believe a good deal for both sides looks more like $7 million to 8 million per year. 

That being said, the 49ers should let Smith see what kind of deal he might get elsewhere. I'm confident there isn't another team that would be willing to pony up a big contract for him. After one nice year? I don't think so.

There isn't any real big hurry at this point to get the deal done before free agency, because Smith would likely end up settling for a reasonable contract with the 49ers as an end result, anyway.

Again, let me reiterate that I'm a huge Alex fan. I was one of the few fans who were excited when we found out he'd be returning to play for Jim Harbaugh in 2011. 

Besides, what is the worst thing that happens? Colin Kaepernick gets his shot, albeit a bit earlier than any of us expected after the end of 2011.

It wasn't too long ago that people were thinking he'd be the starter by the middle of last season, though, and we shouldn't forget that Harbaugh and Baalke were high enough on CK to trade up to the top of the second round to snag him.

What do you think?

Is Smith worth such a major financial commitment, or should the team let him test the market?

I've expressed my thoughts on the matter, now it's time for you to do the same. Let me know what you think about this in the comments section below. 

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