It took a week into free agency and a red-eye visit to the Miami Dolphins before quarterback Alex Smith appears to officially be returning to the 49ers as of late Tuesday afternoon.
The NFL Network reported that Smith and the 49ers have agreed to terms on a new contract.
It also took a few awkward turns, including the 49ers' covert courting of Peyton Manning.
But now Smith's turvy-topsy union with the 49ers resumes, a tenure that began in 2005 as the No. 1 overall draft pick out of Utah.
Last season, Smith produced a career-best year upon coach Jim Harbaugh's arrival, helping the lead the 49ers to a 14-4 overall record, the NFC West title and a berth in the NFC Championship Game.
On Sunday, Smith took a red-eye flight to Fort Lauderdale, spent six hours at the Dolphins facility and reportedly entered into contract negotiations with the AFC East doormat.
On Monday, 49ers CEO Jed York reiterated the company line: "We have a contract on the table and it's up to him. We'd like for him to be here and we'll see where it goes."
Rather that interfere, York said he would let Harbaugh and general manager Trent Baalke solve the 49ers' quarterback quandary.
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