Trent Baalke says trade an option for Alex Smith

With a weak draft class for quarterbacks and a poor free-agent market, the San Francisco 49ers probably figure they can get something for Alex Smith.

Someone figures to be willing to part with a draft pick for the starter from the first half of this past season.

But Niners general manager Trent Baalke wasn’t very revealing when talking about options now that Colin Kaepernick has become the team’s starter.

“I was out to dinner with (Smith’s wife) Liz and Alex when we were back from the Super Bowl. Had a great conversation, a great dinner,” Baalke said. “Just a chance to sit down with him and go through what our thoughts are and listen to what their thoughts were as a family. And really get an understanding of what direction we wanted to go.”

Are the Niners leaning toward a trade?

“I think that's part of it,” Baalke said. “We're going to look at all options available. Are we going to trade him for sure? That hasn't been decided.

“I can’t say enough good things. If you ask anyone in the organization, they’ll say the same thing. He is a pro's pro. Have nothing but great respect for him, his family. And we're certainly going to do everything in our power to make the best decision for everyone involved.”

Follow me on Twitter: @BradBiggs

Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune