Chiefs Open to Trading Top Pick, No Decision on Alex Smith While Seattle Will Listen to Flynn Offers
Before the NFL Scouting Combine begins on Saturday, NFL teams and executives have already arrived in Indianapolis. They’re stealing headlines with 2013 plans for player and coaching changes.
On Thursday, Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid said the team will explore all of its options with its No. 1 pick and would be open to trading it away for the right deal.
Then there’s the quarterback dilemmas.
While he wouldn’t give a definitive answer, San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke wouldn’t show his cards for Alex Smith. Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider was a little more forthcoming about back up Matt Flynn and said the team would listen to offers for him.
Chiefs May Trade First Pick
Chiefs coach Andy Reid
Many assume the Chief’s first pick will be a much-need quarterback but on Thursday, Reid threw a possible wrench in the plan by saying the team would be willing to trade the pick away.
For the right situation.
He said via NFL.com, “Listen, yeah, we’re going to evaluate everything. We’re just not going to give it away. So we’d have to see what people throw our way. It’s a pretty valuable pick, I’d say.”
Then he addressed the potential quarterback selection.
He added, “Most of the questions have been asked about the quarterback position, but it’s important that we go through and evaluate everybody. You don’t go for need, you go for who the best player is — or who you perceive the best player to be.”
For now, left tackle Luke Joeckel of Texas A&M sits as the draft’s potential No. 1 pick. Would the Chiefs take him?
Reid, again keeping his cards close to his vest, commented on Joeckel via ESPN, “I did have a chance to look at him, and I’ll tell you, he’s a pretty good football player. I haven’t had an opportunity to meet him. I look forward to having that opportunity.”
San Francisco 49ers: No Answer on Smith
49ers Quarterback Alex Smith
After ESPN’s Chris Mortenson reported from unnamed sources that the 49ers are “highly, highly, highly unlikely” to release Smith, general manager Trent Baalke briefly addressed it on Thursday.
He said a decision has not been made yet but earlier in the month he did speak with Smith and his wife.
Baalke said via ESPN, “We had a great discussion. I can’t say enough good things. And I think if you ask anyone in our organization, they would say the same thing: He is a pro’s pro. And I have nothing but great respect for him, his family, and we’re certainly going to do everything in our power to make the best decision for everyone involved.
“We’re going to look at all options available. Are we going to trade him for sure? No, that hasn’t been decided.”
But he did acknowledge Smith could be shopped around this offseason.
For the 49ers, they have 15 to 2 to win 2014’s Super Bowl.
But Seahawks Will Listen to Flynn Offers
Seahawks Quarterback Matt Flynn
It’s a different for the Seahawks Flynn; Schneider was a little more open.
First the good news. He said via CBS Sports, “I think we have a great setup. I feel very blessed that we have two quarterbacks like this — two starting-caliber guys. What happened last year didn’t really have a reflection on what Matt did. It was really what Russell did in terms of stepping forward and taking charge.”
But then here comes the reality; Schneider will “listen to everything” should offers come his way for Flynn. He added, “It’s so early to … it’s not like I’ve had a chance to sit down with other general managers to talk about what their situation is. But we’re always going to listen to everything. That doesn’t necessarily mean we will do something with Matt.”
With this year’s weak crop of rookie quarterbacks, Smith and Flynn have more appeal but they’ll come at a price.
For the Seahawks, they’re 12 to 1 to win next year’s Super Bowl.
