NFL Rumors: Alex Smith, Jim Harbaugh Need to Work a Few Things out

After the San Francisco 49ers jumped into the Peyton Manning chase, free agent quarterback Alex Smith was understandably miffed.

Virtually everyone expected Smith to re-sign with the 49ers this offseason, but thanks to the team's pursuit of Manning, he visited the Miami Dolphins and, according to Sports Illustrated's Peter King, was actually serious about signing with them.

Now 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh is in full damage control mode after he turned his attention away from his starting quarterback. The key for Harbaugh will be turning Smith's ire on general manager Trent Baalke as opposed to his head coach. 

San Francisco drafted Smith with the No. 1 pick in the 2005 NFL Draft and, until 2011, he had been a huge bust. Then, last season, he set career highs in completion percentage (61.3), yards (3,144), yards per attempt (7.07) and quarterback rating (90.7). 

There is no doubt that Harbaugh's influence on Smith had a lot to do with his career turnaround, but the quarterback was understandably hurt by the team looking elsewhere for help under center. The 27-year-old quarterback led the 49ers to a 13-3 record and they were an overtime loss away from reaching the Super Bowl.

Naturally, he expected a significant contract offer following the season.

The 49ers have offered Smith a three-year, $24 million contract and it remains on the table. If Harbaugh can work his magic and convince his quarterback that the two parties need to continue their relationship, things could get worked out.

Smith was likely expecting a more significant commitment than three years and $24 million, but considering he has had just one good year, an offer like that should have been expected. The quarterback needs to understand that one season can't change everything and he needs to prove himself as a true franchise quarterback over time to really cash in with a long-term deal.

After the Dolphins signed David Garrard, it looks like Smith won't be heading to South Beach. That means the 49ers will probably end up re-signing their quarterback. But before that happens Smith and Harbaugh have to work a few things out.