NFL Rumors: Alex Smith Must Start Exploring Other Options Than 49ers

As the San Francisco 49ers continue their pursuit of quarterback Peyton Manning, their starter, free agent Alex Smith, is waiting on the other line on hold to see what his team is going to do. If he was smart, he'd get out and start exploring options of his own.

According to UPI.com, the team has made an initial offer to Smith while they continue to evaluate the Manning situation, with team CEO Jed York telling the San Francisco Chronicle that the "ball's in his court."

Clearly, the team doesn't look like they mind settling on Smith—or perhaps they still see Manning as the starter with Smith sitting behind him.

Whatever the case may be, the team is exploring other options and so should he.

There are plenty of teams looking for a starting quarterback, such as the Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans, Seattle Seahawks and pretty much any team that was interested in bringing Manning to town.

If San Francisco does sign Manning, well, any of those teams are going to need a consolation prize.

The problem for now is exactly that—teams may be waiting to claim a consolation prize.

Nonetheless, Smith proved to teams this past season that he is ready to compete as a competent starter. He may never live up to his No. 1-pick selection hype, but he proved in 2011 that he can run an offense and get things done.

Jeff Chase is a Featured Columnist for the Chicago Cubs and Arizona State football.
Follow @Real_Jeff_Chase