Instead of waiting for the Peyton chase to knock a starting quarterback to the curb, the Dolphins have decided to make a pre-emptive strike, actively pursuing Alex Smith, who led the 49ers to a 14-3 record in 2011.
Mike Klis of the Denver Post reports that the Dolphins are negotiating with Smith, and that Smith could get a deal in the range of $8 million per year.
Of course, Smith already has on the table a three-year, $24 million offer from the 49ers, which if my math is correct (and rarely it is), that’s an average of $8 million.
Klis speculates that, if the Niners miss out on Peyton Manning, they could target Matthew Hasselbeck, whom many (me included) believe the 49ers should have signed in 2011.
Of course, Hasselbeck may not be available if the Titans don’t land Manning.
If that happens, don’t be surprised if Colin Kaepernick is the starting quarterback in San Francisco come September.