San Francisco 49ers: Please Don't Re-Sign 49ers Quarterback Alex Smith

With news breaking yesterday that Alex Smith is "likely" to return to the San Francisco 49ers for the 2011 season, I would like to say one thing to 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh:

No.

What has Alex Smith done in his six seasons as an on-again, off-again quarterback to make Harbaugh believe Smith deserves another season as the 49ers' starting quarterback?

Smith's stat line reads like a career backup, not a former No. 1 overall draft pick.

Quarterback rating of 72.1 with 51 touchdowns and 53 interceptions.

That's what Harbaugh is willing to trust the 2011 football season to.

Smith has shown over the course of the last six years nothing but frustrating potential in the preseason, only to be followed by injury and inconsistent play once the games matter.

Yes, Smith is a good fit in the West Coast offense Harbaugh is installing, but as a one-year option at quarterback, can Smith really be expected to learn his seventh offensive system in as many years? Alex Smith might be a talented player physically, but there are many better options for the 49ers to pursue as mentors and placeholders for second-round draft pick Colin Kaepernick.

Who might those players be? We're glad you asked.

Carson Palmer, Cincinnati Bengals

Palmer has asked to be traded and would give the 49ers a chance to win in 2011—something they will not have with Alex Smith under center again.

Donovan McNabb, Washington Redskins

McNabb may not be the player he used to be in Philadelphia, but he has more in the tank than Smith and also is a closer comparison to the type of NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick will be. McNabb was also a great mentor for Michael Vick and Kevin Kolb in Philadelphia, proving he would be a good teacher to Kaepernick.

Vince Young, Tennessee Titans

Why the heck not? Young has won more games than Alex Smith and is a better quarterback statistically. He also gives the 49ers a spark on offense that they are currently lacking. Would Harbaugh, who is known as a tough coach, bring in Vince Young? It's not as likely, but we would love to see the matchup.

Jim Harbaugh and general manager Trent Baalke have options outside of Alex Smith. We just hope they are not too afraid to explore them.