Dean Michaels

Quarterback Alex Smith has reunited with the San Francisco 49ers after signing a three-year deal that would give him up to $33 million with $16.5 million guaranteed, multiple sources reported Wednesday.

The 27-year-old Smith decided to reunite with the 49ers despite the team's much publicized pursuit of four-time NFL MVP Payton Manning over the several weeks.

Smith, who played his first seven seasons in San Francisco after picked no.1 overall in the 2005 NFL Draft, said he's glad to be back with the 49ers after a wild week of free-agency.

"I'm glad this is finally done," Smith told MercuryNews.com. "For me this was the plan all along. When the season ended, I wanted to be back here. Dragged out a little bit but glad it's over, glad to get back to work."

Smith added he's looking to get the 49ers back in the playoffs after bowing out to the eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants in the NFC Championship game.

49ers general manager Trent Baalke was also thankful Smith stayed with the 49ers as they attempt to contend for another title under coach Jim Harbaugh this upcoming season.

We are pleased that Alex has chosen to continue his career as a 49er," Trent Baalke told the Mercury News Wednesday. "His contributions were instrumental to our success in 2011, and we look forward to the continued growth of our offense under his leadership"

Tim takes Manhattan: Broncos-Jets complete Tebow trade

Spurned by the Denver Broncos, who recently signed Peyton Manning, Tim Tebow was traded to the New York Jets.

The Broncos received a fourth-round and sixth-round draft pick, while the Jets get a seventh-round pick in exchange.

ESPN's Adam Schefter indicated an issue with Tebow's contract almost nixed the deal, however, though the team's wound up "splitting" $5 million in salary and bonuses to be paid the quarterback.

Sanchez praised both Peyton Manning and Tebow in an interview on Fox Sports Radio.

"I think Peyton (Manning) will do great, I think Tim will do great no matter what happens. He's either going to get a great chance to learn from one of the best quarterbacks to ever play, or he moves on somewhere else and he uses his skills at another ballclub. He definitely has talent. He knows how to win, he knows how to inspire players."

Dolphins turn to Garrard after missing out on Manning

The Miami Dolphins got a quarterback who did not play last season and is coming off an injury. It's just not the one they had originally hoped.

The Dolphins signed free-agent quarterback David Garrard to a one-year deal on Monday after missing out on former Colts quarterback Peyton Manning.

Garrard was told he would be given the chance to compete for the starting spot with Matt Moore and others depending on who the Dolphins bring it.

Miami was not only turned down by Manning but also by former Green Bay backup Matt Flynn who signed with Seattle. The Dolphins have also met with Alex Smith, who could come to Miami but would likely be b better served returning to San Francisco despite any hurt feelings over the 49ers' courtship of Manning.

Garrard, 34, was a starter for Jacksonville from 2005-10 but did not play last season after being released five days before the season opener. He eventually underwent back surgery in October.

He has thrown for over 3,500 yards twice in his career and has thrown for 89 touchdowns with 54 interceptions in nine seasons with Jacksonville.

49ers and Alex Smith Reunite After Peyton Manning Pursuit