Alex Smith trade rumors: Cardinals 'intrigued' by 49ers quarterback

Count the Arizona Cardinals as the latest team to express interest in San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith according to Kent Somers of azcentral. Somers reports that the Cardinals are exploring their trade options regarding Smith, but they have yet to make a deal.

The Cardinals, who desperately need to improve the play out of their quarterback position, are considering several options. Last season, their quarterbacks combined for a league-worst 63.1 rating, making the position a top priority for new coach Bruce Arians. Arizona could rework the contract of Kevin Kolb, make a trade for a quarterback like Smith, and/or draft a quarterback in one of the first few rounds of the 2013 NFL Draft.

It was reported that the 49ers had nearly completed a deal in principle for Smith on Feb. 24, with the Kansas City Chiefs thought to be the likely trade partner, but since then conflicting reports have come out saying that no deal is in place. The Chiefs are still thought of as the most likely landing place for Smith, but the Cardinals are among a group of teams considered viable options.

Smith is due $8.5 million in 2013 and the Cardinals would have to shuffle some things around to fit him under the cap, but releasing Kolb would go a long way to making enough room for Smith.

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