Alex Smith returning to 49ers

It didn't take long for the 49ers and Alex Smith to mend any wounded fences, with the quarterback agreeing to a contract Tuesday, according to multiple reports. Smith is expected to sign the same three-year, $24 million offer he rejected.

by David Fucillo on Mar 21, 2012 7:44 AM PDT in 49ers Roster 49ers quarterback Alex Smith reportedly agreed to terms on a new contract, which answers one of the most pressing questions of the offseason. Although the news has focused on Smith over the

22, 2012 file photo, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) warms up as head coach Jim Harbaugh watches before the NFC Championship NFL football game against the New York Giants, in San Francisco. Smith, a free agent quarterback,

Alex Smith appears to be returning to the San Francisco 49ers. And, the Philadelphia Eagles traded with the Houston Texans for DeMeco Ryans.

By Mike Sando Alex Smith and the San Francisco 49ers face no looming deadline for a contract agreement. That could help explain why negotiations seem to lack urgency. The NFL's labor agreement prevents players from entering into football preparations