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San Francisco 49ers quarterbacks Colin Kaepernick (7) and Alex Smith (11) talk on the sideline late in the fourth quarter of the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
listen Listen: Kurt Warner, Arizona Cardinals former QB
The former MVP breaks down Joe Flacco's remarkable postseason and recaps his experience from Super Bowl XLVII last night.

The San Francisco 49ers may have plenty of suitors for quarterback Alex Smith this offseason, with the Arizona Cardinals possibly joining the mix.

Smith, who has become expendable to the 49ers after the emergence of second-year signal caller Colin Kaepernick, could be an ideal fit for a Cardinals team that still lacks an impact quarterback.

Former Cardinals QB and NFL Network analyst Kurt Warner told Arizona Sports 620's Burns and Gambo Monday he thinks Smith can be had at a reasonable price.

"First of all, I think San Francisco as a gesture to him is going to let him go. So I don't think it's going to cost that much," Warner said. "I think a three or a four [draft pick] would be my guess on what you had to give up to get him. So I don't think the cost is too high for a guy that can win at this level and shows what he brings to the table."

Smith has suffered his fair share of ups and downs, posting a 19-31 record over his first five seasons in the league. But he appeared to turn a corner last year, en route to a 19-5-1 record.

In 2012, Smith seemed in position to lead the 49ers for the foreseeable future, before a concussion derailed one of the best seasons of his career.

San Francisco then went on to post a 7-2 record with the dynamic Kaepernick at the helm before losing in the Super Bowl.

Smith's future is now up in the air, but he stands to be a popular target in trade talks this offseason. While the Cardinals seem like a logical fit for the 28-year-old quarterback, Warner said it's important for Smith to find a system that plays to his strengths.

"I think that's going to be the key for Alex Smith and whoever brings him in is make sure what you're going to do and how your team is built fits Alex Smith and if you're Alex Smith try to do the same thing," Warner said.

Daria Del Colliano, Web Content Editor - ArizonaSports.com

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    sundevil7901 wrote...
    Agree with most of the comments
    Don't see the Niners trading Smith in-division, unless the Cards offered a 2nd round pick which they absolutely should NOT do.Smith is a system QB that is a healthier version of Kolb. I wouldn't object to acquiring him for a 3rd or 4th rounder, but I won't be disappointed if we don't.
  • Abuse
    DjjacksonAzcardsfan wrote...
    Do not draft Matt Barkley AZ......
    There is three targets for AZ in the first round. If KC doesn't pick Joeckle doubt Jax. will at 2 so the Cardinals will attempt to trade up with Oak. At 3 and pick Joeckle. If Joeckle is gone at number 1to KC then AZ sits at 7 and will take either Wormack or Fisher. Second round could be used for another Linemen or RB.
  • Abuse
    SurpriseMe wrote...
    ???
    But SF knows his weakness and strengths making it easier to defend/sack/int him.
  • Abuse
    CoachK wrote...
    Can we please take Barkley off the table
    With all due respect to Kreedos, can we please stop talking about Matt Barkley. We need a starting quarterback, not a lifetime backup with small hands, and a weak arm. I'd rather have Kolb and Hoyer battle for the starting job, then draft a young gun in the third round like Bray or Manuel. Fix the offensive line and find a real running back and everything else will magically fall into place.
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    Patrick Peterson's Talent wrote...
    You guys
    They're OBVIOUSLY going to address the offensive line. Arians brought in 3 or 4 coaches with O line expertise - he knows what needs to be fixed. Alex Smith is a proven winner in this league, that's way more than you can guarantee in the draft. Stay away from Barkley. Make a move for Wilson or Nassib in the later rounds. And SF has 2 days to trade him before they have to pay him, so in a likelihood he'll be release can can go wherever he wants. I have much more faith in this group of coaches to develop their QB based on what he's good at.
  • Abuse
    redbread wrote...
    Smith wants to be a Cardinal.
    I guarantee Alex Smith deep down wants nothing more than to have revenge on Harbaugh. He will want to beat his former team more than anything although he may not come out and say it but if you don't think he wants to stick it to Harbaugh your crazy. What better team than the Cards would give him that opportunity. This guy is pissed and wants to hand it to Harbaugh.
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