5:40AM Sunday
March 3, 2013

The San Francisco 49ers have said they won't cut backup quarterback Alex Smith, but they are not opposed to trading him. In fact, the

49ers have now expressed to other teams that they "effectively" have a deal in

place for Smith, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports.

The 49ers have expressed to others that a deal for QB Alex Smith is effectively complete. Can't be finalized til league year begins 3/12

- Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) February 24, 2013

Canfora notes that a trade can't officially be completed

until March 12, when the league year begins.

The Kansas City Chiefs have been the club to reportedly express the most interest in Smith so far this offseason. The former No. 1

overall pick would appear to be a good fit as a potential stopgap or long-term

option in new head coach Andy Reid's West Coast system.

The 49ers have hinted at the fact that they are not opposed

to retaining Smith into the 2013 season, as they aren't going to cut him for

the sake of making a r