First Hour - Free Agent Notes - Thursday Night

From Matt Maiocco , The Press Democrat

Smiley agrees to five-year deal with Dolphins

The free-agent signing period has barely started and the 49ers have already lost a player. Guard Justin Smiley has agreed to terms with the Dolphins on a five-year, $25 million contract than includes a $9 million signing bonus, he said. He is scheduled to fly to Miami early Friday morning to sign the contract and make it official.

"I'm very excited about the opportunity," Smiley said on the phone just moments ago. "Miami called as soon as they were able to call me and told me they'd like to have me down there. They called me right after it (free agency) started. They offered me that (contract). I feel very blessed. It feels good to have security. I want to go down there and give them every penny's worth and play hard for them." Smiley said he is slated to play right guard for the Dolphins. Smiley resides in Ellabel, Ga., and attended Alabama.

"To me, it seems like a good fit, me being from the South," Smiley said. "There are a lot of other factors you have to weigh when you're considering a situation like this. I talked to them just a little while ago, and this is flattering that they came after me like this." Smiley was a second-round pick of the 49ers in 2004. He and the 49ers were far apart in contract talks, dating back the past two seasons. He said he has not yet spoken to the 49ers.

"It's a bummer because those guys mean a lot to me," Smiley said. "Being around those other offensive linemen and the organization, it made a positive impact in my life. The fans of San Francisco, they're faithful. I always hoped I could be a 49er, but it didn't work out." Smiley started all 32 games in 2005 and '06. He played most of the '06 season with a torn left labrum. He sustained a dislocated right shoulder in the eighth game last season and had season-ending surgery Nov. 13. He probably will not take part in any contact until training camp, as a precaution. Smiley will undoubtedly have to pass a physical with the Dolphins. He said that should be no problem, as his rehabilitation is ahead of schedule.

* * *
There appears to be a front-runner in the race to get Bears WR Bernard Berrian, and it's not the 49ers. The Vikings have reportedly sent a jet to California to pick him up.

* * *

Check Back Here For Hour By Hour News On Free Agent Movement As It Relates To The Niners.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------