Smith signs contract with 49ers
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) – Quarterback Alex Smith signed his six-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers Tuesday, formally agreeing to a deal worth $49.5 million. Smith, the top overall draft pick from Utah, will get $24 million in guaranteed money – $4 million more than Eli Manning, the No. 1 pick last season by the New York Giants. The deal contains $8.25 million in average annual salary – and with incentives, the whole package could be worth $57 million.
Smith signed the deal four days before the first workouts of training camp Saturday, ensuring he’ll have every chance to earn the Niners’ starting job.
“Now it’s time for me to go earn this money and prove that I deserve this money,” Smith said.
“The primary goal is to get on the field. I don’t think this team is paying me this money to sit on the sideline.”
After signing his deal, Smith shook hands with new coach Mike Nolan and owner John York at the 49ers’ training complex.
“We’re glad and happy that we’ve come to an agreement prior to training camp,” said York, who would have faced another storm of criticism if the Niners’ top pick hadn’t been in the opening workouts.