Jim Harbaugh says the 49ers plan to re-sign Alex Smith after a successful 2011 season. Smith, the 2005 No. 1 overall draft pick out of Utah, received a one-year, $4.9 million contract as a free agent last July. Harbaugh endorsed Smith as San Francisco's quarterback going forward. "I've told Alex that," Harbaugh said. "I wouldn't tell you something I wouldn't tell Alex. "I told Alex, 'Hey, we're going to want you to come back here next year.' He's focused on the season, and that's where his mindset wants to be. And I totally respect that, and we'll talk about it and address it once the season is over. That's the way I understand it right now." Smith, 27, has thrown for 3,150 yards and 17 touchdowns with just five interceptions for the NFC West champion 49ers (13-3), who earned the No. 2 playoff seed in the NFC and a first-round bye this week.