Tim Tebow Trade Rumors: 49ers Smart to Steer Clear of Broncos Outcast

Don't expect to see Tim Tebow wearing a flower in his hair anytime soon, because he won't be joining the San Francisco 49ers.

This, according to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, who quoted 49ers CEO Jed York as saying:

"

Step down fron the ledge, 49ers fans. Quote from Jed York: "Tebow's not coming here."

— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) March 20, 2012"

Such a strong stance would seem strange at first glance. After all, the Niners are currently absent a quarterback with starting experience in the NFL. Their only "surefire" option, at present, is Colin Kaepernick, the 24-year-old dual-threat signal-caller out of Nevada whom the team selected in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft.

Yes, Colin Kaepernick and all five of his throws (and both of his runs) in three regular-season games.

Now that the Peyton Manning circus has settled on the Denver Broncos—putting Tebow on the chopping block—and the rest of the free-agent pool of QBs has dried up, it appears as though San Fran will welcome Alex Smith back into the fold after all.

And if the Niners have Smith and are grooming Kaepernick behind him, what's the use in shipping a draft pick to the Mile High City in exchange for Tebow?

In essence, Smith is an older, wiser and more quarterback-like version of Tebow. Like Timmy, Smith earned his chops in college under Urban Meyer and has come to be known as much for his fleetness of foot as his erratic arm.

The biggest difference, though, is one of familiarity—Smith knows the 49ers offense and has a strong working relationship with head coach Jim Harbaugh, while Tebow...errr, doesn't.

So if San Fran can sign one spread-trained quarterback who knows the team's system and continue to coach up another, why bother trading for a third?

After a 13-3 season and a trip to the NFC Championship Game, the Niners' mantra is (or at least should be) "Super Bowl or Bust."

Tebow, for all his incredible intangibles and amazing feats as a Bronco, wouldn't likely carry them any closer to their goal.

Jed York and GM Trent Baalke are well aware of this, which should help Niners fans sleep just a bit more soundly.

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