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San Francisco 49ers quarterbacks Colin Kaepernick (7) and Alex Smith (11) talk on the sideline late in the fourth quarter of the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
listen Listen: Kurt Warner, Arizona Cardinals former QB
The former MVP breaks down Joe Flacco's remarkable postseason and recaps his experience from Super Bowl XLVII last night.

The San Francisco 49ers may have plenty of suitors for quarterback Alex Smith this offseason, with the Arizona Cardinals possibly joining the mix.

Smith, who has become expendable to the 49ers after the emergence of second-year signal caller Colin Kaepernick, could be an ideal fit for a Cardinals team that still lacks an impact quarterback.

Former Cardinals QB and NFL Network analyst Kurt Warner told Arizona Sports 620's Burns and Gambo Monday he thinks Smith can be had at a reasonable price.

"First of all, I think San Francisco as a gesture to him is going to let him go. So I don't think it's going to cost that much," Warner said. "I think a three or a four [draft pick] would be my guess on what you had to give up to get him. So I don't think the cost is too high for a guy that can win at this level and shows what he brings to the table."

Smith has suffered his fair share of ups and downs, posting a 19-31 record over his first five seasons in the league. But he appeared to turn a corner last year, en route to a 19-5-1 record.

In 2012, Smith seemed in position to lead the 49ers for the foreseeable future, before a concussion derailed one of the best seasons of his career.

San Francisco then went on to post a 7-2 record with the dynamic Kaepernick at the helm before losing in the Super Bowl.

Smith's future is now up in the air, but he stands to be a popular target in trade talks this offseason. While the Cardinals seem like a logical fit for the 28-year-old quarterback, Warner said it's important for Smith to find a system that plays to his strengths.

"I think that's going to be the key for Alex Smith and whoever brings him in is make sure what you're going to do and how your team is built fits Alex Smith and if you're Alex Smith try to do the same thing," Warner said.

Daria Del Colliano, Web Content Editor - ArizonaSports.com

16 Comments   |   Join the conversation »
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  • Abuse
    DZAZ99 wrote...
    Why?
    Alex Smith > Kevin Kolb behind the same o-line? They're nearly the same dude. Smith a little more mobile, Kolb a little better pocket passer.
  • Abuse
    Kreedos wrote...
    I like Barkley if he's there in the 2nd round
    With this offensive staff that'd be a good pick up. If you can bring in Smith that'd be a nice coup as well. Not sure what would happen with Kolb in that scenario.
  • Abuse
    Lee A. wrote...
    Do It Only If
    It doesn't cost any more than what Warner speculates (3rd or 4th round pick). The Cards need to spend their early picks on O-line and RB (even though they extended Beanie, I have little confidence he can stay healthy) then QB. I still think they they should look at Nassib from Syracuse in the 3rd or 4th round but Smith with that pick in a trade would be OK.
  • Abuse
    DisgustedD wrote...
    Um No
    on Matt Barkley! Seriously stay away from that kid, he is bad news. I would look at Tyler Wilson if he still there in the 2nd Rd. Levi coming back will help, draft another OL in the 1st either Joeckle or Warmack, if both gone then either trade down or grab Fisher or Fluker.
  • Abuse
    gmoney wrote...
    Makes no sense to the 49ers,
    why would they trade Alex Smith to a division rival and have to play him twice a year? I think they only way they land this guy is if he is released by SF and becomes a FA.
  • Abuse
    mva5580 wrote...
    Will cost the Cardinals more than it will others
    Trading within the division will have a premium.
  • Abuse
    Lee A. wrote...
    @gmoney
    That's a good point and would probably be true for a lot of teams, but Harbaugh is just arrogant enough to do it (trade him to the Cards) anyway.
  • Abuse
    DisgustedD wrote...
    Alex
    will be traded & I believe the Chiefs would dangle their 3rd Rd pick for him. If not maybe their 2nd Rd pick but I don't see it.
  • Abuse
    apollogirl wrote...
    Protection
    Why would he come to a team whose QB was out half the season w/ concussion b/c O line couldn't protect him and he's already had concussion? If I were Smith, I'd look at what the Cards do to beef up the protection before coming to AZ.
  • Abuse
    TimS wrote...
    There was not an option not to trade him
    Boldin had had enough Bidwill and wanted out. There was no option not to trade him. Bidwill promised to renegotiate his contract and would not do it.
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