ct. 29, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback (11) Alex Smith against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

Earlier this week, it was reported that Alex Smith will be request his release from the 49ers before free agency.

It appears as if the Niners will comply with his wish, but not before trying to trade him.

The NFL Network reports, first and foremost, that Smith will not be back with the 49ers next season. They will try and trade him first, preferably to a team outside of the NFC West. If they can’t agree on a trade, then Smith will be released early as a sign of respect.

The respect would be for how professional Smith has been in handling the situation. He lost his starting job midway through the season to young Colin Kaepernick, who got his chance as a result of Smith’s unfortunate concussion.

But instead of whining and pouting, Smith has put his complaints aside and has helped Kaepernick with the gameplan.

“(Smith is) another person really to credit in Colin’s success because Alex has really helped coach Colin,” said head coach Jim Harbaugh. “He’s been right there at his side, sitting in meetings every single day, and he coaches Colin now more than I do. And that speaks volumes for the kind of person and teammate that Alex Smith is.”

Smith declined to speak on the possibility of being traded or released.