--Quarterback Alex Smith's career with the 49ers might not be over, after all. Smith is scheduled to make $9.25 million in base salary next season after spending the 2008 season on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. He sustained a separated shoulder in the fourth game of the 2007 season.
Smith has stated that he would accept a pay cut to return to the 49ers. The 49ers want him to return and believe it will happen, as long as they can work out an acceptable contract with Smith's agent, Tom Condon.
Shaun Hill has a 7-3 record as a starter the past two seasons, but coach Mike Singletary has not anointed Hill the starter next season. He said he does not want to commit to Hill because he is not sure if the club will add a candidate for the starting job in the offseason.
--The 49ers will be represented for the second consecutive year during the Super Bowl coin toss ceremony before Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa on Feb. 1.
The Super Bowl coin toss ceremony will include greats from Super Bowls 10, 20 and 30 years ago. Roger Craig will represent the 49ers. Craig earned three Super Bowl rings in his career. He is the first player to score three touchdowns in a Super Bowl.
The others who will participate in the ceremony are the Steelers' Lynn Swann and the Broncos' John Elway. A star from 40 years ago, Joe Namath, will participate in the Vince Lombardi Trophy presentation following the game.
Last year, the memory of Bill Walsh was honored during the coin-toss ceremony. Walsh's son, Craig, was joined by Ronnie Lott, Jerry Rice and Steve Young at midfield.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I'm not looking at a younger guy. It has nothing to do with age. It's only philosophy." -- Coach Mike Singletary, before hiring 62-year-old Jimmy Raye as offensive coordinator.
