"After enjoying a career-best year under the first offensive-minded head coach of his career, it seems unlikely that 49ers quarterback Alex Smith will test the market when he becomes a free agent March 13.

On Monday, Smith did nothing to dispel the belief that he'll back for an eighth season in San Francisco, and his second with coach Jim Harbaugh.

"At this point I love it here," Smith said. "Love what's going on. Love this team and coaching staff, everything about it. So no question I'd love to stay here."

Smith indicated he'd prefer to not have contract negotiations drag on too long.

"I think sooner rather than later, no question," he said."