Alex Smith To Be a San Francisco 49er in 2011? Jim Harbaugh Is Investigating

Alex Smith has had a rough stay in San Francisco. Sure, a new offensive coordinator has been customary for him since he walked through the door, the pressure of being the No. 1 overall pick set expectations high, and he didn't have any sort of supporting cast when he arrived in San Francisco.

When it all boils down to it, 49ers faithful expected Smith to turn the franchise around, and he failed miserably. While Smith is not solely to blame for the struggles of the franchise, he certainly hasn't done enough to justify being the No. 1 overall pick.

Smith just completed his sixth season as a 49er. Last season, he not only failed to win the worst division in football history, he wasn't even the starter in a must-win game when the 49ers took on the Rams. Quarterback has been a glaring need on the 49ers for the better part of the decade. Smith played out his contract, but he might not be out of the door just yet.

Many fans would be irate if the Alex Smith project turned into a seven-year itch. That being said, new head coach Jim Harbaugh has a responsibility to pick Smith apart. Harbaugh is an expert at evaluating and grooming quarterback talent.

Smith is very intelligent and fairly young. According to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com, Smith and Harbaugh have met face-to-face on several occasions, including a meeting at the complex in Santa Clara.

This tells us a couple of things. One is that Harbaugh wants to see for himself exactly what he is working with. How are Smith's mechanics, where is he at mentally, etc. The other is that Harbaugh thinks there may be a chance Smith could be the field general going forward.

Harbaugh has free agency (DeMaurice Smith willing) and the upcoming draft. He has to know where Smith stands before entering these periods. Paying high dollar to pick up a coveted free agent or giving up a draft pick to bring in a guy like Kevin Kolb or Carson Palmer may very well be the best route for the 49ers to go, but it makes sense for Harbaugh to dissect Smith prior to making the call.

Likewise, gambling on a quarterback coming out of the draft might not be the best option for San Francisco. The 49ers can't afford to miss again with another subpar QB. The 49ers have other holes that need to be addressed and there may not be a quarterback who warrants a selection at pick No. 7.

Harbaugh may find that Smith could suffice as the answer, at least for one season. This is a new system under a new coaching regime. Perhaps the new look is exactly what Smith needs to succeed.

Conversely, he might need a new change of scenery entirely. Even so, if he does end up being the most viable option for San Francisco, Harbaugh certainly does not want to begin the relationship with distrust.

Smith never knew where he stood with Mike Nolan and Mike Singletary did nothing for his development. Harbaugh is an ex-NFL quarterback who could offer insight when Smith comes off the sideline. Maybe Smith needs a mentor. Maybe he needs a flight out. Whatever the case may be, Harbaugh is going to find out.

Don't be surprised to see No. 11 on the sidelines next season.