Five million dollars.
That large sum of money can buy you a lot of things; a luxurious house, a few foreign cars and, maybe if you're lucky, a boat or two.
It can also buy the San Francisco 49ers another year with embattled quarterback Alex Smith.
The franchise re-signed their former No. 1 overall pick in 2005 to a one-year, $5 million deal shortly after the lockout ended. That's a good chunk of change for a guy who hasn't done much in his NFL career.
In six seasons with the 49ers, Smith has yet to throw for 3,000 yards or 20 touchdowns and San Francisco hasn't qualified for the playoffs.
His best season was arguably 2009, when the 49ers won eight games and he threw for 18 touchdowns and 2,350 yards in 11 appearances. But even those stats are underwhelming.
Now, Smith might be on his last chance with the 49ers. And if he isn't, he certainly should be.
The 49ers brought in head coach Jim Harbaugh, a fundamentals-orientated leader who may finally have a clue on how to turn around this sinking franchise. And Harbaugh decided in April that he'd draft Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick, essentially starting the hourglass on Smith's career in San Francisco.
However, there's still time for Smith to make things right with the 49ers and their fans.
He's been given another opportunity to start at quarterback, and despite the presence of Kaepernick behind him, he has a somewhat-solid hold on the position for this season.
Now is the time for Smith to pounce on his shrinking opportunity.
The NFC West, which has admittedly improved this offseason, is still there for the taking. The 49ers have gone into each of past few seasons as a team many expected to win that division, but those same opinions don't exactly exist leading into 2011.
Despite lowered expectations, the team still has the talent to win the division. Smith should have big-time passing targets in Vernon Davis, Braylon Edwards and Michael Crabtree. You could certainly do worse than that trio of receivers.
Smith can also rely on Frank Gore and an offensive line that has plenty of first-round selections starting along it.
While spending the money on Smith was something the 49ers probably had to do, it's time for Smith to reward the franchise's unwavering confidence in him.
It's now or never for the 49ers' $5 million man.
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