Cold Shoulder

After a secretive flirtation with Peyton Manning went nowhere, the 49ers turned back to their steady, re-signing Alex Smith. It's a three year commitment (less than Manning got from Denver) at $8 million per year (far less than Manning got). When Smith found out the Niners were two-timing him in negotiations he went to Miami for a little side action of his own, but in the end he got back together with the only NFL team he's ever known.

Andre Miller has been an iron journeyman in his NBA career, but a shoulder injury has sidelined him for the time being. Miller was hurt when a Dallas defender came down hard on his shoulder in Monday's game. Miller did not return to the game, and is expected to miss at least tonight's game with the Pistons.

UPDATE:

With the left hand

Andre did not miss the game against Detroit, although he did miss both shot attempts, as he was hampered by the sore shoulder. He still contributed 7 assists (including this lob to JaVale McGee) and 6 rebounds in Denver's 116-115 victory. On Friday night he shot the ball better, going 4-8 from the floor, 1-2 on threes, and 5-5 on free throws. Miller scored 14 points, passed for 6 assists (with another fancy feed to McGee), and grabbed 2 rebounds in Denver's 102-121 loss to Utah.

Coach Karl had this to say about his point guard:
"He’s the best. I don’t think there’s any question that, mentally, we would not be where we are without Andre Miller. His leadership, his veteran-ism. To do what he does on the basketball court ... he has [so] much impact on games." (Salt Lake Tribune)

AFC Beast

After drawing some interest from the Denver Broncos, Paul Soliai opted to stay in Miami. According to ESPN.com he signed a two-year deal worth $12 million, half of it guaranteed. Apparently he still fits into the team's plans as they transition to a 4-3 defense.

Jonathan Fanene will join Soliai and Pouha in the AFC East, as he agreed to an offer from the New England Patriots. Now if the Bills could lure Sealver Siliga away from Denver's practice squad each team in the division would have a Polynesian ProUte on its defensive line. It would be the AFC Beast!

Buck Stops Here

Milwaukee has lost patience with oft-injured center Andrew Bogut, trading away the former #1 pick to Golden State in exchange for guard Monta Ellis. The deal also enabled the Bucks to unload the unhappy Stephen Jackson on his former team in a two-for-three deal; Milwaukee will receive forward Ekpe Udoh and center Kwame Brown, another former #1 pick, in exchange. These two teams will face each other on Friday, but Bogut will not be in the line up for the Warriors any time soon, as he is still recovering from a broken ankle.

This move reunites both of Utah's #1 picks in the Bay Area, assuming Alex Smith re-signs with the 49ers. They didn't play in the PAC-12 as Utes, but there is a distinct West Coast feel to this development!

Down the Line

The Jets have locked up Sione Pouha for another 3 years, adding stability to their defensive front. The Steelers have cut Chris Kemoeatu from their unstable offensive line in an attempt to clear more cap space. The Dolphins used their franchise tag on Paul Soliai a year ago, but the two sides never reached a long term agreement. This year Miami is transitioning from a 3-4 look to a 4-3 front, which reduces the importance of a massive run stopper. Will he capitalize on his Pro Bowl appearance and take his girth to another team that will appreciate a man of his stature, or will he stay with Koa Misi and Sean Smith in South Beach? Alex Smith is likely to stay in San Francisco, signing a new deal that will keep him (not Peyton Manning) as the starting quarterback for the 49ers. The Panthers tendered R.J. Stanford, an exclusive rights free agent.