The Facts: Following up on a previous item. ... There is little doubt around the NFL that Smith will return to the 49ers in 2012. But the negotiations are still complicated. Sources told CSNBAyArea.com late in the season that the 49ers were looking at a two- or three-year contract worth from $8 million to $11 million annually for Smith's services. Meanwhile, agent Tom Condon is likely looking at the extension the Bills awarded Ryan Fitzpatrick, who signed a reported six-year, $59 million deal with $24 million guaranteed.

Diehards Line:The average-per-year of nearly $10 million seems reasonable, but CSNBayArea.com's Matt Maiocco believes the 49ers might be balking at forking over $24 million guaranteed on a long-term contract. If Smith remains unsigned on March 13, he will be free to negotiate with other teams. The 49ers opted to use their franchise tag on safety Dashon Goldson at a projected $6.2 million this season, rather than Smith at approximately $14.4 million on a one-year commitment. But how much attention would Smith get on the open market? Teams might be a little reluctant to negotiate with him because of the perception that all they would be doing is negotiating a deal that Smith would use as a tool to get fair market value from the 49ers. ... Stay tuned.