Alex Smith signs....

[Duff McCartney]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slu...v=ap&type=lgns

Smith agrees to $57 million deal with 49ers

By DAVE GOLDBERG, AP Football Writer
July 25, 2005
NEW YORK (AP) -- Alex Smith, the first pick in April's draft, agreed to terms Monday on a six-year, $57 million deal with the San Francisco 49ers.

Smith will receive a guaranteed $24 million, a lawyer familiar with terms of the deal told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

The agreement is expected to set off a run of signings of first-round draft picks.

The only other first-rounder to agree to terms is offensive lineman Logan Mankins, taken by New England with the 32nd and last pick of the first round. His deal was announced Monday.

But Miami had been waiting for Smith to sign before completing its deal with running back Ronnie Brown, taken second overall. Brown is expected to start for the Dolphins, then could alternate with Ricky Williams, who sat out last season, when Williams returns from a drug suspension after the first four games of the season.

Williams reported to the Dolphins on Monday.

Smith, who is represented by Tom Condon, will get $4 million more guaranteed money than Eli Manning, last year's first pick overall, who received $20 million from the New York Giants. Manning also is represented by Condon.

Smith's deal, according to the lawyer, is expected to average $8.25 million compared to about $7.5 million for Manning.

The quarterback, who left Utah after his junior season, led the Utes to their first BCS bowl win, a victory over Pittsburgh in the Fiesta Bowl. They finished 12-0 and were ranked fourth in The Associated Press poll.

This past season, he completed 185 of 280 passes for 2,624 yards with 28 touchdowns and just four interceptions. He also rushed for 563 yards and 10 touchdowns in the regular season. He finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting.

He is expected to compete immediately with Tim Rattay for the starting job with the 49ers, who finished 2-14 in 2004.

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Let the Alex Smith era begin!!

[midgetonadonkey]

That is a load of money to give a guy that hasn't proved in the league. IMO, first rounders get paid way too much.