Alex Smith to 49ers: Maligned QB Will Lead San Francisco to Super Bowl

Alex Smith's future with the San Francisco 49ers was sketchy for a time, but in the end everyone knew that they were going to end up back together. For all the posturing that both sides did during the free-agent process, it will all be worth it when the franchise captures a sixth Super Bowl. 

Late Tuesday night, ESPN reported that Smith had re-signed with the 49ers for three years and $24 million. 

Some may see the move as a letdown, especially considering how much the Niners were flirting with Peyton Manning. But once that fell apart, Smith was the clear-cut, best choice for this team. And he is going to take this team where it wants to go. 

When you really look at what Smith was able to accomplish last season—really, the last two years when you go over his numbers—considering the receiving corps that he has had to throw to, he has taken too much criticism. 

Dating back to 2011, Smith has played in 27 regular season games, completed nearly 61 percent of his passes for 5,514 yards, 31 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. 

Yet the only receiver he has had to throw to is Vernon Davis, a tight end. Granted, Davis has the speed and athleticism of a wide receiver, but they have never had that vertical downfield threat for Smith to create plays. 

All that has changed this offseason with the additions of Randy Moss and Mario Manningham. Regardless of what your personal feelings about Moss, when he is motivated, he is a game-changer. 

By all accounts, Moss is motivated and ready to prove that he still has a lot left in his 35-year-old tank. If he doesn't work out, or starts causing problems, the team can just release him because he is not making enough money to keep around. 

Plus, if Moss does go away, the 49ers still have Manningham to fall back on. He is an underrated receiver who is a red zone nightmare because he is so big and has the speed to run past defensive backs. 

Smith got exactly what he needed from the 49ers this offseason, both in terms of a contract and weapons to help his performance. He is going to get better, and the team is going to reap the benefits as a result. 

Now we will finally see just how good Smith really is. Considering his performance the last two years, and how dominant the defense is going to be, the Lombardi Trophy is coming back to the Bay Area very soon. 

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