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Why the 49ers Should Wait Until 2018 to Address the Quarterback Position

By Akash Anavarathan

Mar 1, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan speaks to the media during the 2017 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan speaks to the media during the 2017 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) after the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Washington defeated Philadelphia 27-22. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) after the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Washington defeated Philadelphia 27-22. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports /

NFL Quarterbacks to Watch

If for some reason the 49ers don’t earn a high draft selection or the college quarterbacks regress in their play, there are some free-agent options the 49ers can pursue.

QB Kirk Cousins

As aforementioned, the 49ers and Kirk Cousins will be mentioned together until Cousins signs a long-term deal somewhere.

With the Redskins placing a franchise tag for the second time this year, Cousins will be a free agent in 2018, if they can’t agree on a long-term deal.

Without having to give up any draft capital, Cousins could find his way to San Francisco in 2018 if he really wanted to. All that would have to happen is that Cousins would play 2017 on the franchise tag and then the 49ers sign him to a deal in 2018.

If the 49ers truly believe Cousins is the quarterback to lead them their sixth Lombardi trophy, they should wait till 2018 to sign him in free agency.

QB Jimmy Garappolo

The other option — if Cousins decides to stay in Washington — is Jimmy Garappolo. If the Patriots don’t decide to trade him, Garappolo will become a free agent in 2018 and have a lot of suitors.

If the 49ers feel he’s the man best suited to lead their franchise, they shouldn’t give up any draft picks this season and wait until 2018 when he becomes a free agent.

My best guess says Belichick tries to get a return on Garappolo and doesn’t let him walk in free agency, but we’ll see what happens.

Honorable Mention

If either of these quarterbacks aren’t free-agent options, John Lynch could pursue a quarterback through trade. The 49ers could also consider a trade for backup Cincinnati Bengals’ QB A.J. McCarron in 2018.

So with all this talk about 2018, what should the 49ers do this upcoming season at the quarterback position?