Smith: ‘You think sometimes a change of scenery would be a good thing'

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SANTA CLARA – Coincidentally, 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith visited Philadelphia during the bye week.

“I saw my in-laws, who happen to live in Philadelphia,” Smith said on Tuesday. “So everyone thought I was traded up there.”

Smith acknowledged, “There were negotiations going on” -- confirming reports of conversations between the Eagles and 49ers about the possibility of a trade that would send Smith to Philadelphia.

A league source told CSNBayArea.com last week that the 49ers were not shopping Smith and no trade was anticipated.

Still, Smith admitted a trade would not have been the worst thing for him.

The 49ers (1-6) are on a six-game losing streak after opening with a victory over the Los Angeles Rams. And the team’s passing offense is ranked last in the NFL. Smith had a career-low 33 catches last season after signing a five-year, $40 million contract. He is on pace for even lower numbers this season. Through seven games, Smith has 13 receptions for 199 yards.

“I think the selfish side of you, you think sometimes a change of scenery would be a good thing,” Smith said. “But I know I’m very committed to everybody in this locker room and playing well.

“I’m a 49er. I’m going to go out there and play my ass off for these guys. It’s not something where I’m going out there and crying, banging down the door, saying, ‘Get me out of here.’ I understand the business side of it, too. Things haven’t gone the way any of us expected. So you’re never surprised when these things come about.”

Smith said the 49ers have been transparent with him. He said he can talk with coach Chip Kelly or general manager Trent Baalke at any time.

He participated in practice Tuesday. Then, he was in the locker room as the trade deadline passed. Smith said the approach of his teammates is encouraging, as the 49ers returned from the bye week to prepare to face the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.

“The energy. The execution,” Smith said. “It’s very easy to throw the towel in when you’re not playing well or you’re not winning. You don’t see that here. Everyone here, there’s still positive vibes. No one is complaining about the situation. Everyone is trying to fix it and be part of the solution. It’s a great locker room, and it’s all positive vibes around here.”

Smith said he signed with the 49ers, in part, because of the organization's winning tradition. He said he still feels that way, but now he hopes he can help turn things around.

"The tradition here is real," Smith said. "You got to get back to that. I take a lot of pride in playing for this organization and understand the history, and also taking a lot of pride in getting it back to where it belongs."

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