The NFL Network's Albert Breer is a smart guy, and he recently took a closer look at Alex Smith's contract with the San Francisco 49ers.
Here Breer breaks it all down for us nice and simple:
Alex Smith's contract
· 2012: $5 million base salary (fully guaranteed); $3 million roster bonus; $1.25 million in likely-to-be-earned incentives; $1.75 million in unlikely incentives.
· 2013: $7.5 million base salary ($1 million guaranteed); $1 million roster bonus; $1.25 million in likely-to-be-earned incentives; $1.75 million in unlikely incentives.
• 2014: $7.5 million base salary; $1.25 million in likely-to-be-earned incentives; $1.75 million in unlikely incentives.
What it means: Smith was guaranteed $9 million upon signing ($10.5 million with injury guarantees), but this could well be a deal that runs a year and is worth only that much. The 2013 roster bonus is due in March, and if Smith is on the roster on April 1 of next year, his $7.5 million base salary will be guaranteed. If they cut him before the roster bonus comes due, they only owe him the $1 million guarantee. So, at least from a practical standpoint, the Niners will have to make a decision next March if Smith will be the starter for 2013.
So, basically the 49ers have a year to decide what they want to do with Alex Smith. He's got a full season to prove he's worth his salt, and that 2011 wasn't a fluke. I like his chances of having a good 2012 season. They have Colin Kaepernick as a backup plan and possible future QB, but he is still progressing as an NFL QB. So, it's Alex Smith for now.
For more on the 49ers, head over to Niners Nation.
