Alex Smith Enters The Fray

Add Alex Smith’s name to the list of quarterbacks potentially affected by Peyton Manning’s looming decision.  Smith visited the Miami Dolphins this morning and is now on his way to Seattle to meet with Seahawks brass.

Smith was obviously put off by the revelation Friday that San Francisco head coach Jim Harbaugh flew to N.C. to meet with, work out, and otherwise woo Manning.  Smith is an unrestricted free agent, but most assumed he would resign with the 49ers.  In fact, both sides spoke openly about the inevitability of it.  Now, not only is he exploring his options with other teams but other agents as well.  He’s reportedly dropped Tom Condon, who also represents, wait for it……… Manning.

It’s beginning to play out like some sort of bad love triangle.  San Francisco wants Manning, but would settle for Smith if they miss out.  Smith may be too offended to return, so he’s considering the Dolphins, but most believe Flynn will land there to play for Joe Philbin, his OC in Green Bay.  Seattle took a shot at Manning but were rebuffed, so they hosted Flynn and are now set to entertain Smith.

Questions abound:  Would Philbin really pass on Flynn? Wasn’t he supposed to be the Next Big Thing? Would the Seahawks really want Smith after seeing his early struggles up close?  Would Smith really want to play for a bitter division rival, against THAT 49er defense?  What if San Francisco misses out on Manning AND loses Smith?  Are Flynn and Smith even more than marginal upgrades over Matt Moore and Tavaris Jackson?

All should be answered in short order, as Manning is reportedly set to make a decision in the next 48 hours.

For what it’s worth, I see Flynn landing in Miami and Smith signing in Seattle.  Does that mean Manning winds up a 49er?  My head hurts too much to even offer a guess on that one.

Whether any of those are good moves for their respective teams remains to be seen, and that’s a post for yet another day.