Jim Harbaugh believe the San Francisco 49ers are dealing from a position of strength when it comes to the quarterback position.

The 49ers will start Colin Kaepernick at quarterback next season and at least appear willing to keep Alex Smith if they are unable to find a trade.

"Alex is really playing the best football of his career the last two years. We think we got the best quarterback situation in the National Football League, feel strongly about that. Again, that’ll be a process that plays out. Alex Smith continuing to be a 49er or if a trade occurs in the next weeks or months. Those are the two possibilities, most likely possibilities.”

Harbaugh was explicitly asked if it is unlikely that Smith will be released.

"That's unlikely," said Harbaugh.