rokko
03-19-2012, 01:29 AM
Free-agent quarterback Alex Smith left the Miami Dolphins' complex Sunday night after a 5½-hour meeting with the team.
The visit could affect the Peyton Manning sweepstakes, because Smith's former team, the San Francisco 49ers, is among three finalists for the star quarterback, along with the Denver Broncos and Tennessee Titans.
Dolphins' QB quandry
With Matt Flynn electing to sign with the Seahawks, the Dolphins' quarterback options are dwindling. Steve Wyche looks where Miami might turn now. More ...
The 49ers had been working to re-sign Smith, the 2005 No. 1 draft pick who had his best season in 2011 under first-year coach Jim Harbaugh, a former NFL quarterback.
The Dolphins' unexpected courtship of Smith came after they were spurned by Manning. They then courted former Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Matt Flynn, who instead agreed to terms Sunday with the Seattle Seahawks on a three-year deal worth up to $26 million.
The San Francisco Chronicle reported Saturday that the 49ers gave Smith a three-year, $24 million offer, which the quarterback is still considering.
Smith reportedly might sever ties with longtime agent Tom Condon, who also represents Manning.
"I never thought a year ago (Peyton) Manning would be a free agent, either," Smith told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel upon arriving in Miami on Sunday morning. "I'm never surprised by anything."
The Dolphins have also scheduled a Monday meeting with free-agent quarterback David Garrard, a source told the Florida Times-Union.
Garrard, a starter for Jacksonville from 2005 to 2010, didn't play last season. He was released five days before the opener by the Jaguars, then underwent back surgery in October.
The visit could affect the Peyton Manning sweepstakes, because Smith's former team, the San Francisco 49ers, is among three finalists for the star quarterback, along with the Denver Broncos and Tennessee Titans.
Dolphins' QB quandry
With Matt Flynn electing to sign with the Seahawks, the Dolphins' quarterback options are dwindling. Steve Wyche looks where Miami might turn now. More ...
The 49ers had been working to re-sign Smith, the 2005 No. 1 draft pick who had his best season in 2011 under first-year coach Jim Harbaugh, a former NFL quarterback.
The Dolphins' unexpected courtship of Smith came after they were spurned by Manning. They then courted former Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Matt Flynn, who instead agreed to terms Sunday with the Seattle Seahawks on a three-year deal worth up to $26 million.
The San Francisco Chronicle reported Saturday that the 49ers gave Smith a three-year, $24 million offer, which the quarterback is still considering.
Smith reportedly might sever ties with longtime agent Tom Condon, who also represents Manning.
"I never thought a year ago (Peyton) Manning would be a free agent, either," Smith told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel upon arriving in Miami on Sunday morning. "I'm never surprised by anything."
The Dolphins have also scheduled a Monday meeting with free-agent quarterback David Garrard, a source told the Florida Times-Union.
Garrard, a starter for Jacksonville from 2005 to 2010, didn't play last season. He was released five days before the opener by the Jaguars, then underwent back surgery in October.