Alex Smith Doesn’t Know Where Reports He Wants a Release are Coming From

This weekend, it was reported that San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith was seeking a release from the team this offseason and would request as much after the Super Bowl. When asked about it by the Super Bowl media, Smith said he didn’t know where that report came from and that he hasn’t requested a release.

Smith didn’t totally deny that a release would be satisfying to him, saying being able to pick where you play football is would be ideal, but he’s not going to put himself before the team.

“I still feel I have my best football ahead of me,” Smith said, via Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com.”In that sense, I feel like I’ve gotten better and better. I feel like I’m capable of playing at a high level. So, yeah, I’m excited for my next opportunity, wherever that comes.”

Speculation surrounding Smith’s future in the NFL surfaced when he was replaced by Colin Kaepernick, who barring some horrifying tragedy, is going to be the 49ers starter moving forward. There were even reports that Smith and Kaepernick weren’t on good terms due to the situation, but Smith’s teammates cleared that up, admitted that Smith has taught the young Kaepernick in ways other guys probably wouldn’t have.

“That (situation) could have went sideways in a hurry,” 49ers guard Alex Boone said. “I applaud Alex every day for making Colin better and teaching him and still practicing as hard as he does. That’s a tough situation. I love Alex to death for the way he handled it.”

Smith is owed $8.5 million next season, so it’s a virtual certainty that he’ll be a starting quarterback somewhere else, the only question is where.