[quote name='Doomtime']Nobody would debate that, but he still played better than expected. Not his fault he fell into a terrible situation with 27 offensive coordinators in his first 7 years.
From what I heard here, it was only a 1 or 2 year deal. I'd wait too.
True I can't blame SF for pursuing Manning. But Smith isn't as terrible as the media makes him out to be.[/QUOTE]
According to ProFootballTalk, Yahoo, etc, it was for 3/24. Pretty fair offer, but years don't really matter anyways (though with QBs, more contracts last the life of the deal than with other positions).
I agree, he was decent last year, but there has to be a concern of whether it was Harbaugh and the new system and if he can replicate that in another system. He went through numerous other systems in SF and never showed the promise in them. If he signs elsewhere, can he succeed?
Personally, I think it is a bit of both. I think Harbaugh was able to provide a framework that he could find success and build his confidence. I don't know if he will flourish as well without it, but I think he has more confidence in himself to take this talents elsewhere and still be effective in a realistic role.
Miami though..not a good place for him. Reggie Bush had a nice bounce back season himself but he is no Frank Gore. Their receiving weapons may be even worse without Marshall, no stud TE like Vernon Davis either. The defense isn't as good either, leaving more pressure on the offense to win. All of these things point to a bad fit for Smith in Miami on both sides. He can go back to SF, be a good system QB, have more success and possibly parlay that into a championship and another decent contract before he is done.