San Francisco 49ers Extending NaVorro Bowman, Early Warning Sign for Alex Smith

On Tuesday, the San Francisco 49ers were active, re-signing their All-Pro inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman. The extension is reportedly worth $44.25 million over 5-years, keeping Bowman locked up until 2018.

This means San Francisco's four linebackers, Aldon Smith, NaVorro Bowman, Patrick Willis and Ahmad Brooks, will remain together until at least 2015. 

49ers announced they have agreed to terms with LB NaVorro Bowman on a five-year contract extension through the 2018 season.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 27, 2012

In other news, Niners head coach Jim Harbaugh informed the media this week that he would officially make a decision regarding the quarterback position on Wednesday. The coming announcement will decide who the 49ers will attempt to make a Super Bowl run with this year, Alex Smith or Colin Kaepernick.

There has been quite a bit of drama surrounding the position in recent weeks, but it should be cleared up by tomorrow. And with a decision of this magnitude, there are a lot of variables, the financial state of the team being one of them.   

Per Niner Cap Hell, Smith will be the highest paid player on the roster in 2013, earning $9.75 million. Meanwhile, Kaepernick is set to make $1.29 million that same year.

While Bowman's extension coming the day before the announcement could just be a coincidence, it seems like awfully strange timing.

Jim Harbaugh will address the media in Wednesday afternoon's press conferences.  

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