Eagles Interested in Alex Smith?

NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports the 49ers will first try to trade Alex Smith before releasing him - one of the teams that could be a suitor for Smith's service according to the report is the Eagles.

According to Rapoport, the 49ers will try to trade him first. Then if nothing happens, they will cut him early out of respect.  The 49ers have a strong relationship with Smith and his agent Tom Condon and believe he's earned the right to pick a team, be treated right.

Teams like the Eagles have taken note of how Smith has handled this situation, being demoted from starting quarterback to the bench. If a team decides to draft a rookie, they know he'll handle it with class.

The Eagles might fit that mold, a team that drafts a QB and uses Smith as a one or two year rental.  To obtain Smith, teams would figure to have to give up at least a fourth- or fifth-round pick.

If the Niners were to grant Smith's release before March 14, they'd owe him only a $1 million roster bonus for 2013. If traded, San Francisco would be off the hook for all of Smith's $8.5 million in salary and bonuses.

So how would Smith fir Chip Kelly's offense?  I think pretty good.

He is a good enough athlete, who is a throwing quarterback first, who can tuck the ball and run when necessary.  This season, Smith was completing 70-percent of his passes before he was injured and replaced in the line-up by Colin Kaepernick.

So would Smith fit what Kelly is trying to find?  Probably better then Nick Foles would and he would be less expensive than Mike Vick would.