SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Alex Smith says he "absolutely" expects to be the San Francisco 49ers' starting quarterback next season even though he is still a free agent.
Smith also said Thursday that his perceived feud with Michael Crabtree was "blown out of proportion" and that he called the wide receiver to apologize and clear the air. He said their relationship is fine and they're working to find a rhythm on the field that has never developed.
Smith spoke for the first time after a four-day informal minicamp at San Jose State that teammates dubbed "Camp Alex." More than two dozen 49ers players participated, mostly on the offensive side.
The workouts included weightlifting, film study and on-field practices.