SANTA CLARA — Simply think about the 49ers’ gross sales pitch to veteran quarterbacks when free company talks formally can begin Monday:
“Certain, we have already got two quarterbacks we love. However we nonetheless have room in our coronary heart — and quarterback room — for you.”
“Come to the 49ers, the place we’ve began three quarterbacks in each season besides one (2019) since Kyle Shanahan took over as coach in 2017.”
“Joe Montana. Steve Younger. And also you. The one quarterbacks to win a Tremendous Bowl for the 49ers. Think about that. May very well be your ticket to hitch them in Canton.”
Final season proved the worth of getting a quarterback, significantly one who can throw a ahead cross, when competing for a championship.
Trey Lance, as was the case a yr in the past, is poised to function QB1 all through the offseason and summer season, which is a protracted sufficient runway to safe the beginning job for the common season.
Brock Purdy’s elbow surgical procedure Friday introduced optimism that he may very well be prepared by September, however the 49ers nonetheless want one other quarterback or two — or most likely even three to hitch Lance at coaching camp.
Jimmy Garoppolo is absolutely anticipated to depart as a free agent and formally finish a 5 1/2-year tenure with the 49ers. Right here is how that market appears for him and them:
WHO’S HERE
Lance, Purdy
Consideration now shifts from Purdy, the late-season phenom, to Lance, the 2021 draft’s still-maturing asset. A lot hope now rests on Lance’s potential to get better from his Sept. 18 ankle fracture, which required a follow-up surgical procedure Dec. 30. The 49ers have two months to get Lance prepared for on-field practices, and whereas he stays a thriller with solely 4 profession begins, the time is now for him to embolden himself as a locker-room chief and succesful quarterback. Purdy definitely constructed up that respect in his two-month shift in reduction of Garoppolo, so if Purdy can get absolutely wholesome in solely six months, then the 49ers have a beautiful dilemma on their arms concerning the beginning job.
PENDING FREE AGENTS
Garoppolo, Josh Johnson
A Dec. 4 foot fracture stored Garoppolo from suiting up once more for the 49ers, whom he went 38-17 as a starter within the common season, plus 4-2 marks via playoff runs following the 2019 and 2021 seasons. Johnson’s first profession playoff motion got here in an NFC Championship Sport cameo the place he went 7-of-13 for 74 yards with a fumble and two sacks earlier than a third-quarter concussion.
EXTERNAL CANDIDATES
Tom Brady (Bucs; retired), Matt Ryan (Colts, if launched), Marcus Mariota (Falcons), Baker Mayfield (Rams), Andy Dalton (Saints), Carson Wentz (Commanders), Taylor Heinicke (Commanders), Sam Darnold (Panthers), Jacoby Brissett (Browns), Teddy Bridgewater (Dolphins), Nick Mullens (Vikings), Nate Sudfeld (Lions), Mike White (Jets), Joe Flacco (Jets), Drew Lock (Seahawks), Case Keenum (Payments), Jameis Winston (Saints, if launched)
So many candidates, for therefore many groups in want of quarterbacks in beginning and backup roles. The 49ers? They want a possible QB1, QB2, or QB3, relying on the well being of Lance and Purdy. No matter free agent arrives, he ought to lease, not purchase. The 49ers see Lance and Purdy as up-and-coming, splendidly inexpensive quarterbacks who could be long-term property. However, the door is ajar for a veteran to pilot a Tremendous Bowl contender. If Purdy’s restoration is stalled, maybe that creates a gap the place Brady reconsiders retirement (for a second straight yr), if the 49ers pays a decent wage commensurate for a seven-time champ. In any other case, a quarterback accustomed to Shanahan’s scheme would take advantage of sense, akin to Ryan, Mullens, Sudfeld and extra. Assistant coaches Brian Griese and Klint Kubiak ought to have a say, too. Kirk Cousins stays underneath contract with the Minnesota Vikings for just one extra season, so until that adjustments with an extension, he most likely needs to be thought-about a 49ers/Shanahan candidate, too. Derek Carr (Saints) and Geno Smith (Seahawks) obtained the quarterback carousel spinning Monday, and it absolutely received’t cease for 5 months.