Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

Just as San Francisco 49er fans were absorbing the news of Alex Smith being traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, it was followed by reports the Niners are among a “handful of teams” interested in trading for Darrelle Revis.

Revis is currently under contract with the New York Jets, but will be a free agent after the upcoming season, and team is looking to trade him. The 49ers are in desperate need of an upgrade at corner after the secondary was burned badly in the playoffs and Super Bowl. This, plus San Francisco’s potential 15 draft picks after trades and compensatory picks are handed out make them an ideal trading partner.

While there is no doubt Revis was one of the best cover corners before last season, there are risks trading for him. The biggest risk is Revis’ health. He suffered a season ending knee injury after he tore his ACL against the Miami Dolphins in Week 3 last season. And he could also be a one-year rental if the 49ers trade for him and cannot agree on a long-term deal.

If Revis is fully recovered from his ACL injury this would be a great trade for the Niners to make, even if the cornerback is only around for the 2013 season. The 49ers have about a two to three year window for them to return back to the Super Bowl with the core group of players currently on offense and defense. Bringing Revis in would help anchor down the secondary and address the problem of the defense giving up big passing plays.

Update: ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted a source said the 49ers are not going to pursue Revis. Intriguing…

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen said a source told him the 49ers are not inclined to pursue Darrelle Revis at this time. So there’s that.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 28, 2013