Watch CBS News

Daily Madden: Will The 49ers Release Alex Smith?

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) - ProFootballTalk.com is reporting 49ers back-up quarterback Alex Smith will ask the team to release him before free agency begins March 12.

A release, rather than a trade, would allow Smith more freedom to determine where he might play next.

"Sentiment is not going to play any part of it," John Madden told the KCBS radio morning crew. "It is business, and the caretakers of the business really have to take care of the organization, and it will be what's best for the organization."

Smith was replaced as the starter by Colin Kaepernick in the middle of the season.

"I'm sure (Smith's release or trade) is something that no one really wants to talk about (Super Bowl week)," Madden said. "I'm sure that Alex Smith being the good soldier he is and has been - and I say that seriously, he's been a real loyal player - he's not going to cause a distraction."

Both Super Bowl teams, the 49ers and the Ravens, will meet with the media at the stadium Tuesday.

"The biggest thing (in past Super Bowls) is who gets the podium (and) who gets the biggest podium," Madden said, noting that only a few players speak to the media from podiums.

"That has been a thing in the past, you know players and jealousy and pouting over who gets a podium and who doesn't," the former coach said. "Just knowing both of these teams and both of these coaches... I don't believe it's going to be an issue for these two teams." (8:25)

Daily Madden

Listen to the John Madden segment live weekday mornings at 8:15 on KCBS All News 740 AM/106.9 FM. And catch John's extra report at 9:15 a.m. Mondays and Fridays through the NFL playoffs and Super Bowl.

(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.