In the interest of being helpful — here at the Cohn Zohn we pride ourselves on being helpful — here is advice to Trent Baalke on what he should do to sign Alex Smith.

Stick to the same three-year offer you originally made, $24 million for three years. Don’t lower it and don’t sweeten it. Stick to it.

Add incentives. This allows Smith to save face and is a win-win for both sides. Allow the possibility Smith can earn more if: 1) He has a better yards per pass average next season than last. The yards are negotiable. This would encourage Smith to throw down the field more instead of constantly checking down. 2) He performs better in the red zone. This could be determined by points from the red zone, points to be negotiated.

I’m sure Baalke could think of more incentives but the idea is obvious.

Is it in the Niners’ interest for Smith to save face? You bet it is.