Jim Harbaugh was vague when asked about the future of Alex Smith with the San Francisco 49ers.

Harbaugh said he has "great respect" for Smith, who finished with a 104.1 passer rating this season, as well as a "great personal friendship, togetherness with Alex."

Jed York has said that the 49ers can afford to keep Smith from a salary cap perspective.

"I don't think any player has those wishes granted when they're under contract," Harbaugh said of being released from a contract. "And everything's different and every scenario is unique. Certainly something that we're not going to delve into and get into specifics at this point."