On Tuesday at the Super Bowl media day, Alex Smith said the report on asking the 49ers to release him came out of nowhere. Smith brought up the fact that his contract still goes beyond this year for the 49ers.
"I'm under contract for two years," said Smith. "We have a lot more days ahead of us and I'm not thinking about my future."
Right now, Smith said he is focused on the Super Bowl and nothing else. He will be ready for any opportunity that comes to him for the big game.
“I still feel I have my best football ahead of me,” said Smith. ”In that sense, I feel like I’ve gotten better and better. I feel like I’m capable of playing at a high level.”
Smith has been the backup quarterback since Week 11 when Jim Harbaugh said Colin Kaepernick would take over as the starting quarterback. It didn't matter if Smith recovered from his concussion or not. He has remained on the bench until he appeared in the final minutes of the last regular season game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 17 where he was greeted with a standing ovation.
Despite wanting to play in the Super Bowl, Smith said it is hard being on the bench, but support Kaepernick through all of this. He said it's all about Harbaugh's decision which is best for the team.
"It's tough [dealing with this]," said Smith. "It hasn't been the easiest thing and I felt like I was playing my best football. At the same time you have to move on because this is a team game. For me, Kaepernick sees things well on the field, to trust his feet, he's prepared all week. He confirms what's [happening] on the field and makes plays."
If an injury happens to Kaepernick during the Super Bowl, Smith has been preparing for that scenario. Harbaugh said he has continued to mentor Kaepernick throughout the season and has even coached him more than others do.
"What I can control is to stay ready for when the next opportunity comes," said Smith. "I will continue to work hard and be ready for that moment."
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