Alex Smith, the first overall pick in this year's NFL draft signed on the dotted line Monday, inking a six-year, $57 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers. According to a report published by the Associated Press, $24 million of that amount is guaranteed.
Smith is expected to compete with incumbent Tim Rattay for the starting quarterback job in San Francisco. Most experts expect Smith to win the job before the season is over. The biggest adjustment Smith will face is learning the Niners complex version of the West Coast offense after passing out of the shotgun formation the past two years at the University of Utah.
The 49ers have a tradition of excellence at quarterback dating back to Y.A. Tittle and John Brodie in the 50s and 60s and Joe Montana and Steve Young in the 80s and 90s. The club has won five Super Bowls but has not won one since after the 1994 season.
In 2004, San Francisco had the NFL's worst record, finishing 2-14. It gave them the first pick in the NFL draft and the chance to draft Smith.
Most NFL general managers expect a run on first round signings now that the top overall selection has signed. Smith became only the third first round pick to ink a deal with his team thus far. Most NFL teams are opening training camps this week so signing their top rookies will become a priority.
For now, the 49ers are happy. The Alex Smith era has officially begun.
