Alex Smith To Chiefs Rumors Running Wild

John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been a crazy night in Chiefs Nation.

First, we got the report that the Chiefs were the team most interested in 49ers QB Alex Smith. That report came from Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

Then later, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports busted out the big news of the evening. According to La Canfora, the 49ers are letting it be known that they have a trade agreement in place that will send Smith to an unnamed NFL team as soon as the new league year starts on March 12th.

La Canfora’s report set off a firestorm of reports speculating on which NFL club is the mystery team that is trading for Smith.

Right off the bat, the usual suspects emerged. The Chiefs, Jaguars, Browns, Jets, Eagles and Bills were all names that were being thrown out on Twitter.

But then the list started to shrink.

Just like that, the Jags were eliminated. Later, a Cleveland Browns beat writer disqualified the Browns from the running as well.

Then we got this gem from Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com:

"Everywhere I go in Indianapolis, I hear someone say that the Alex Smith-to-Kansas City Chiefs deal is all but done. (Now CBS is reporting a deal is “effectively done” for Smith, but won’t name the team.) Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell said it’s “not us” who has a deal in place in a text to the Florida Times-Union. NFL.com’s Albert Breer reported a high-ranking San Francisco 49ers source says he’s not aware of a deal being done. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport says the Chiefs have showed the most interest. Mr. RapSheet also hears the Chiefs are particularly high on tackle Luke Joeckel as a No. 1 overall pick candidate."

As far as we can tell, the Bills, Jets and Eagles camps have all been quiet thus far. The Eagles are less likely, considering they recently re-signed Michael Vick and added QB Denis Dixon. They have also stated publicly that they wish for Nock Foles to compete with Vick for the QB spot.

The Chiefs still seem to be the front-runner here. Multiple reports from different reporters indicate as such.

Once again, here is the evidence:

1. We heard yesterday that the Chiefs asked the Eagles about Nick Foles and the Eagles told them they had no plans to deal him.

2. Then we heard Matt Cassel was almost certain to be cut soon.

3. Then we heard the Chiefs were the most interested in Alex Smith.

4. We also heard the Chiefs were high on LT Luke Joeckel.

5. Then we heard a deal was in place to send Smith to an unnamed team at the trade deadline.

6. Gregg Rosenthal said that everywhere he goes at the Combine, he is hearing that Smith is going to KC.

While nothing is set in stone, this appears to be going way beyond the 49ers and the Chiefs smoke-screening.

This story isn’t likely going away any time soon. In fact, it will likely continue to develop as beat writers and other reports try to get to the bottom of it. I’ve no doubt that Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star is trying to get some kind of comment from the Chiefs.

Remember, this time of year there is a lot of misinformation. Even if the Jaguars GM says the Jags aren’t the team trading for Smith, that doesn’t necessarily mean he is telling the truth.

It is an exciting yet frustrating process.

Strap in, Addicts. We still have a ways to go.