Alex Smith, 49ers Must Be Targeted by Miami Dolphins, David Garrard Not Enough

While the Miami Dolphins have signed David Garrard, they can't possibly think he is the answer at quarterback. For that reason alone they need to make an even stronger push to lure Alex Smith to South Beach.

Smith's feelings were probably hurt when the San Francisco 49ers pursued Peyton Manning, so much so that he met with the Dolphins and was apparently serious about playing for them. San Francisco head coach Jim Harbaugh is apparently working hard to do some damage control in an attempt to lure Smith back, which means the window is still open for Miami to make a move.

The 49ers offered Smith a three-year, $24 million deal that apparently still stands. If the Dolphins were prepared to make a more significant pledge, the 27-year-old signal-caller could probably still be had.

Miami faces a serious problem at quarterback, since the free-agent market has been largely picked clean, and the Dolphins possess the No. 8 pick in the 2012 NFL draft, and there won't be a quarterback available worth being selected that high.

With Stanford's Andrew Luck and Baylor's Robert Griffin III ticketed to go No. 1 and No. 2 overall and Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill (projected as a late first-rounder) the next-best available option, there is no good solution to Miami's quarterback issues. 

The Dolphins need to make a move now, or they face another long season ahead of them in 2012. Smith may not be an ideal choice, but he's probably the best guy available right now. Considering Miami's high-profile misses on Jim Harbaugh, Jeff Fisher, Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn, the franchise needs to show the ability to lock down a free agent that it goes after. 

Miami general manager Jeff Ireland and owner Stephen Ross need to do something to restore confidence in their ability to run the franchise. Signing a steady quarterback like Smith would be an upgrade for the Dolphins and would certainly upgrade the team's offense. They need to get a deal done if they can.