Yahoo Sports' Jason Cole reports that the Chiefs "appear to be the most interested team" in Alex Smith, and are "unlikely" to use the No. 1 overall draft pick on a quarterback.

It's becoming clearer and clearer by the day that Geno Smith won't be drafted first overall. "Several" head coaches and coordinators around the NFL wouldn't be surprised if the entire first round passed by without a quarterback selected. Cole also mentions the Cardinals as a potential Smith suitor, although they're trying to restructure Kevin Kolb's deal at the moment. It's expected that Smith would cost no more than a fourth-round pick.

Appearing on NFL 32, ESPN's Chris Mortensen suggested that the 49ers would accept a fourth-round pick for Alex Smith.

"There hasn't been a real hot market," said Mortensen. "Bottom line is there's not gonna be a lot of suitors for him. ... Maybe a fourth-rounder gets it done." Although his statistics under quarterback-guru coach Jim Harbaugh might lead fans to believe otherwise, Smith is not highly regarded around the NFL. He's viewed as a borderline starter and short-term stopgap solution.

According to the Arizona Republic, there are "decision-makers within" the Cardinals that like Alex Smith.

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported on SportsCenter Thursday that the 49ers are "highly, highly, highly unlikely" to release Alex Smith.

Although Smith would prefer to be cut so he can choose his next team, the 49ers are either going to trade him or keep him, depending on offers they receive after March 12. Smith is owed a $1 million roster bonus on April 1, but the Niners are in a good enough salary cap situation to absorb that payment if need be. Smith remains "highly" unlikely to be on San Francisco's Week 1 roster.

SI's Peter King thinks Alex Smith "had better think again" if he believes the 49ers are going to grant him his release.

King believes the weak QB class in this year's draft means the 49ers could get a "mid-round pick, at worst" for Colin Kaepernick's backup. That's all good and well, but the 49ers have hinted they'll play nice with a loyal soldier, while ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported last week Smith's trade market is "limited," and that there's "not a large buzz." The only thing we know for sure is that Smith won't be back with the 49ers.

The Sacramento Bee refers to the notion that the 49ers will keep Alex Smith as Colin Kaepernick's backup in 2013 a "myth."

Beat writer Matt Barrows believes the Niners are attempting to "create the illusion" they could keep Smith in order to maintain leverage in trade talks. Smith's $8.5 million in scheduled pay is much too lofty for a clipboard holder, and keeping him would risk "locker room turmoil" if Kaepernick struggled. The 49ers will try to trade Smith. If they can't, they might just release him.

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported on NFL Live Wednesday that the trade market for Alex Smith is "limited," and there is "not a large buzz" about Smith among quarterback-needy teams.

Specifically, Smith going to the Browns is a "long shot," per Mortensen. The Jets can't afford his contract, the Cardinals are the 49ers' division opponent, and the Chiefs might explore Nick Foles or Geno Smith first. Anyone who's kept tabs on Smith the past two years won't be surprised. Smith was available in 2012 free agency, and only the 49ers and Dolphins showed much interest in him -- both after missing out on other quarterbacks. Smith's physical skill set is just borderline starting-caliber, and he was benched this past season. The 49ers won't get more than a mid- to late-round pick on the trade market.

CSN Bay Area expects Michael Vick's return to the Eagles to have "no impact" on Alex Smith.

Beat writer Matt Maiocco believes it would have been an either/or situation for two quarterbacks with contrasting styles. "I can't imagine that any team would think equally of both quarterbacks and their respective styles of play." That may be true, but teams truly desperate for a quarterback - of which there figure to be many - likely would have kicked the tires on at least signal caller. We're sure Smith isn't lamenting Vick coming off the market so early.

ESPN's John Clayton believes Alex Smith would make a "beeline" to the Cardinals if granted his release instead of being traded.

Clayton also expects the Browns to be the "most interested" in a potential trade. Clayton appears to be expressing more his gut feeling than an actual sourced report, but both Arizona and Cleveland figure to leave no stone left unturned in their search for a quarterback. However, the weak-armed Smith is a poor fit with new Cardinals coach Bruce Arians on paper, as Arians is among the league's most ardent believers in the deep ball.

Coach Jim Harbaugh suggests the 49ers won't release Alex Smith.

"I don't think any player has those wishes granted when they're under contract," Harbaugh said. "And everything's different. Every scenario is unique. It's certainly not something we're going to delve into and get into specifics." Harbaugh even brings up the point that the team could keep Smith around in 2013 by saying, "We feel great about our quarterback situation. You can't have enough good quarterbacks." The 49ers are expected to attempt to trade Smith before giving him his walking papers.

ESPN New York believes Alex Smith will "probably be too rich for the Jets' blood."

Smith is under contract for $8.5 million in 2013 and the Jets are already on the hook for $8.25 million to Mark Sanchez. More "cost-effective" veteran choices for the Jets include Tarvaris Jackson, Matt Flynn and Matt Moore. It throws some cold water on the Smith for Darrelle Revis trade rumors.

ESPN's Adam Schefter confirms the 49ers will attempt to trade Alex Smith before granting him his release.

NFL.com and the Santa Rosa Press Democrat both reported as much last week. However, coach Jim Harbaugh insists the 49ers will "absolutely" consider Smith's wishes when deciding his future. Schefter also confirms the Browns and Chiefs as possible Smith destinations. Smith's $8.5 million 2013 salary will complicate any potential trade, while teams may not be willing to surrender more than a fourth- or fifth-round pick.

ESPN's Trent Dilfer says new Chiefs coach Andy Reid "courted" Alex Smith last offseason.

"There was a courtship last year, to a certain degree," Dilfer said. "I don't know a whole lot. I just know there was a courtship. It was not even an inside source, you know what I mean? It was just kind of the scuttle in the offseason." Dilfer and Smith are close friends from their days as teammates in 2006-07. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said on Tuesday that the Chiefs were one of the teams showing interest in Smith.

Alex Smith says he "loved" playing for new Browns OC Norval Turner during Turner's one-year stint as the 49ers' offensive overseer in 2006.

It's notable since the Browns are one of the team's Smith has been connected to ahead of his expected departure from San Francisco. A league source confirms to the Plain Dealer reuniting with Norv would "pique" Smith's interest. "Loved my time with Norv," Smith said. "He's a great play caller. I just remember he had a great feel for the game on gameday and a great feel for what the defense was doing, (very) QB friendly." At least based on the early hints and rumors, the Browns may top Smith's list of potential suitors.

Coach Jim Harbaugh said Wednesday the 49ers will "absolutely" consider what Alex Smith wants when deciding his future with the team.

"Absolutely, and I'm sure many things will factor into that decision," Harbaugh said. "I'm sure that will play out, but he is a starting quarterback. He's got a desire to be a starting quarterback, and I'm sure that will play out." For his part, Smith says the sides have yet to talk about his future. "I'm sure when we get back, there will be plenty of time to sit down with Jim and (the GM) and see what's what." Even though he's signed with the 49ers through 2014, all signs point toward Smith playing elsewhere next season.

NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports the 49ers will first try to trade Alex Smith before releasing him.

This coincides with what the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported on Monday. Rapoport adds that the Niners will act fast, though, as they want to work with Smith and get him in the best possible situation. Rapoport reports the Bills, Cardinals, and "maybe" Eagles have shown interest. Smith could probably net San Francisco a mid-round pick, but he won't be anything more than a stop-gap wherever he goes.

The Santa Rosa Press Democrat believes it's "more realistic" the 49ers work with Alex Smith on finding a trade partner than granting him his outright release.

With nearly a third of the league in the market for a quarterback, we agree. The 49ers will likely try to do right by Smith after unceremoniously benching him following his November concussion, but releasing him would make little sense when they could probably net at least a day-two draft pick. Smith won't be more than a stop-gap option wherever he ends up, but interest in his services should be robust.

Profootballtalk's Mike Florio reported Sunday night that Alex Smith will likely ask the 49ers to release him after the Super Bowl in order to have "maximum" options on his next team.

The 49ers don't have to oblige, of course. Smith has trade value, and the 49ers won't honor his request if it doesn't help their team. Getting back a draft pick would. 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.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, people around the league expect the 49ers to decide Alex Smith's fate "well before" April 1.

On that date, Smith's $7.5 million salary becomes guaranteed if he's on the 49ers' offseason roster. Per Schefter, the 49ers will owe Smith "nothing" if he's traded before March 14. If he's released before March 14, the 49ers would only owe him a $1 million roster bonus. So March 14 is essentially the deadline for Smith. He's not going to be with San Francisco any longer than that.

Alex Smith's scheduled $8.5 million salary for 2013 is considered "way too much for the 49ers to pay a backup."

Colin Kaepernick is a candidate for an extension this offseason, leaving less money available for the backup spot. 49ers OC Greg Roman is viewed as the favorite to join former college roommate and current Jaguars GM David Caldwell in Jacksonville. It's natural to wonder if he'll bring Smith along in a trade. Smith also has close ties to Norv Turner, who will reportedly take over as Browns offensive coordinator.