Alex Smith trade rumors: Browns, Cardinals linked to 49ers quarterback

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After Colin Kaepernick led the 49ers to the Super Bowl, it's no surprise that former starter Alex Smith is on the trading block. But what will be the stakes, and who will be interested? Rumors abound.

Jason LaCanfora tweeted during the combine on Sunday that the San Francisco 49ers that a deal to trade quarterback Alex Smith was "effectively done," but did not say with whom that deal was made.

The 49ers have expressed to others that a deal for QB Alex Smith is effectively complete. Can't be finalized til league year begins 3/12
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) February 24, 2013

Gregg Rosenthal, shortly after La Canfora's tweet, mentioned in an article on NFL.com that he'd heard everywhere he'd gone in Indianapolis that a trade to the Kansas City Chiefs was "all but done." While that would make complete sense for the Chiefs, who could be a little gun-shy on predicted No. 1 overall selection Geno Smith, there's even more speculation.

From Ian Rapoport on Twitter:

On Alex Smith: Cardinals will express interest in a possible trade with #49ers. They are VERY pessimistic Niners will trade within division.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 27, 2013

Speaking of Alex Smith... The Browns are said to have some interest. No surprise. Cards believe Chiefs are closing in on a trade
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 27, 2013

To recap: The Chiefs, Browns, and Cardinals are all rumored to have interest, but there is nothing verifying anything.

Where in the world will Alex end up? And almost as important, how much would a team be willing to give up for him? Smith struggled, to say the least, early in his career in San Francisco, and only found success when paired with Jim Harbaugh two seasons ago.

It would be hard to imagine more than a third-round pick for Smith, but we all know what some teams are willing to do to get their guy. Matt Flynn was a free agent backup quarterback and signed a three-year deal with the Seahawks for nearly $20 million.

UPDATE: Subsequent reports Wednesday morning said that the Cardinals were out of chase for Smith, leaving the Chiefs as the suspected primary suitor.