It appears as if Alex Smith’s tenure in San Francisco could be over. But his new destination is still a mystery. CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora tweeted Sunday night that the 49ers have told other teams inquiring that a deal for the quarterback is “effectively complete.” The trade partner is not known, but NFL.com reported that the Kansas City Chiefs, who own the No. 1 overall pick in April’s draft, seem most likely. Read More

SANTA CLARA — Niners coach Jim Harbaugh will make it a priority to re-sign franchise safety Dashon Goldson to a long-term contract this offseason — something the defender believes he has more than earned after helping his team reach the Super Bowl. Read More

NEW ORLEANS — Making the game safer is making NFL players unsure what’s a legal hit. Players on both Super Bowl teams say they are confused about which hits are considered clean and which ones could lead to a fine. And it’s not just the guys on defense who are wondering about the future of pro football. “I think the rules will change a lot,” 49ers tight end Vernon Davis said Tuesday. “There’s already no helmet to helmet. Might be flag football, maybe.” Read More

Sack-happy defensive end J.J. Watt went out for a couple of passes as a wide receiver, retiring center Jeff Saturday snapped to two Mannings on opposite teams and the NFC blew past the AFC 62-35 in a Pro Bowl that could be the league’s last. Whether the NFL’s all-star game will return or not is a question league officials will ponder the next few months. And the players gave plenty to consider on both sides of the argument Sunday. Read More