Dolphins Trade for 49ers QB Alex Smith
Smith Adds Needed Competition to Quarterback Position
The Miami Dolphins sent over their third and sixth-round picks in the upcoming draft for the former number one overall pick Alex Smith and the 49ers sixth-round pick. The trade also includes a conditional pick for the 49ers in 2009 with undisclosed stipulations. This move comes on the heels of Trent Green announcing his retirement from pro football, and Miami declining to extend back-up quarterback Cleo Lemon.
Smith's career has been a bit of a rollercoaster, with seemingly more lows than highs. Entering 2007 in competition with veteran passer Trent Dilfer, Smith saw very minimal time as Dilfer posted career numbers and kept the young QB on the bench. And when Dilfer was injured, the team elected to see Koy Detmer lead the offense as opposed to Alex Smith, who was working with his third offensive coordinator in three seasons.
About mid-way through the season, rumors began the swirl that the 49ers front office was prepared to move on from Smith this offseason. General manager Scot McCloughan confirmed the reports and announced that Smith and the organization had decided it was time to find him a new home in the NFL.
The former Utah standout will now be slated to compete against another young, Utah-based product in BYU's John Beck, who had solid flashes in his few appearances in relief of Trent Green last year. And this move seemingly takes the Dolphins out of the quarterback market, despite them having interest in former Jets QB Chad Pennington and former Eagles QB Donovan McNabb in free agency.
In his career so far, Alex Smith has totaled: a 68.2 QB rating, 4,613 yards, 19 touchdowns, 29 interceptions, and a 56.2% completion percentage.
Miami Dolphins Media Team
