Cleveland & Kansas City The Favorites To Land Alex Smith?

ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirms that the 49ers will be look to trade QB Alex Smith before granting him his release in the next few weeks, via Pro Football Talk.

Reports from earlier in the week suggested as much, but Schefter specifically mentions that the Browns and the Chiefs as two potential landing spots for Smith.

Smith, 28, secured a three-year deal worth $24 million last year, but with the rise of Colin Kaepernick, Smith has become an expendable asset.

There are a number of teams in need of help at the quarterback position, so there stands a decent enough chance that San Francisco will be able to find some interest in Smith. It’s worth noting that the Dolphins were the only team to meet with Smith last year, and that was most likely an attempt by Smith and his agent to gain some much needed leverage in their negotiations 49ers.

The real question will be related to what teams are willing to part in terms of draft picks given that Smith comes with an $8.5 million salary for the 2013 season. That number could be reduced once a trade is agreed upon, but as it stands, San Francisco may not be able to secure anything more than fourth or fifth-round pick in return for him.