Jim Harbaugh’s interest in bringing Alex Smith back to the 49ers is not just an act.
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee reports that the 49ers made a one-year offer to Smith before the work stoppage, but Smith decided to choose to see what’s behind door No. 2 in free agency.
Smith won’t necessarily find a better chance to start or a better contract elsewhere, so there’s a solid chance he could return. Harbaugh continues to talk up Smith, saying he would have a fresh start with a new coaching staff. Harbaught isn’t worried about fan reaction.
“Well, the question is, ‘Do you have baby deer skin or skin like an armadillo?,” Harbaugh said. “That’s where the rubber meets the road there. If someone doesn’t like me or doesn’t cheer loud for me - is he going to be deep and emotionally scarred by that? I mean, most true competitors, most men like that would take offense to somebody inferring that about him.”
Harbaugh believes Smith has armadillo skin. The better question: Does Smith have the skills to excel as an NFL quarterback?