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San Francisco 49ers: Projecting 2017 Starting Lineup after First Wave of NFL Free Agency

By Peter Panacy

Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the San Francisco 49ers helmet before game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The 49ers beat the Broncos 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the San Francisco 49ers helmet before game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The 49ers beat the Broncos 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 29, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer (7) points out to the defense against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter of a game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer (7) points out to the defense against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter of a game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Quarterback

Brian Hoyer

It seems as if the 49ers are going to go with a bridge quarterback in 2017 and likely not get involved in what promises to be a lucrative trade for Washington Redskins QB Kirk Cousins.

Cousins may wind up San Francisco’s No. 1 quarterback in 2018. At least Cousins thinks so (h/t Eric Galko):

But in 2017, the job likely belongs to journeyman QB Brian Hoyer.

Hoyer played under Kyle Shanahan when the latter was offensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns in 2014. And while this might not be the ideal permanent solution, Hoyer does have familiarity with Shanahan’s offense — a good thing.

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In addition, San Francisco signed backup QB Matt Barkley to likely act as a No. 3 QB on the roster.

The 49ers could still draft a quarterback this April. Perhaps someone like Clemson’s Deshaun Watson, Texas Tech’s Patrick Mahomes or Cal’s Davis Webb makes sense.

Regardless, it’s hard to see any rookie starting in year one. Not to kick off the season, at least.

Next: Day 1 Recap of 49ers' Actions in NFL Free Agency

Depending on how things go between now and Week 1 of the regular season, we could see some shakeups to San Francisco’s starting lineup. But, as always, we’ll keep you abreast of our predictions and likely scenarios as the months count down to the start of 2017.