3 more trades 49ers can pursue after landing Emmanuel Sanders

No. 1: QB Nick Mullens to the Denver Broncos

OK, you’re probably already saying the 49ers should trade quarterback C.J. Beathard, not Nick Mullens.

But a hunch says you want no part of Beathard on your roster. So, why would any other team after he’s posted a 1-9 win-loss record and owns a career 74.6 passer rating? Besides, for whatever the reasons, Kyle Shanahan seems to like Beathard a lot.

Either way, Mullens has way more value on the open trade market. And with an awfully team-friendly undrafted free-agent deal, he’s going to be very affordable for any new destination, too.

Granted, this contract could eventually benefit San Francisco, too, especially when the team has to start locking up some of its budding talent.

But hear out the trade reasons before writing it off altogether. Besides, we’re just talking.

First, any Super Bowl hopes are going to be seriously hindered if Jimmy Garoppolo suffers a serious injury. Second, neither Mullens nor Beathard is being “groomed” to take over for Garoppolo down the line. This isn’t a situation like the New Orleans Saints with Teddy Bridgewater or anything like that.

Lastly, Mullens could command a worthy return, too. And for the record, SB Nation’s James Brady reported the Niners were already fielding calls inquiring about Mullens:

Again, it’s anyone’s guess whether or not the 49ers are interested. But at least they’re listening to offers. And carrying three quarterbacks on the active roster, particularly with all the injuries elsewhere, is a little counterproductive.

The Broncos aren’t going anywhere this season, not with Joe Flacco under center at least, and there’s already the trade rapport with San Francisco, thanks to John Lynch and Denver general manager John Elway’s friendship. Should the Broncos offer one of their three Round 3 draft picks for Mullens, it would be a solid return for a player the Niners picked up as an undrafted free agent.

But this is where the Niners get greedy.

If Denver wants Mullens bad enough, the 49ers can ask for a second-round pick, plus some change. Should the Broncos say no, nothing lost. If they say yes, the 49ers land what looks to be a high pick in Round 2.

Mullens would also reunite with his former quarterbacks coach, Broncos offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello, who was instrumental in the 49ers grabbing Mullens back in 2017.

Beathard wouldn’t command anything higher than a sixth- or seventh-round pick, at best, if anything at all.

The 49ers could continue riding out their current situation at quarterback, which would be fine. But if there’s a good enough offer out there, they should at least explore it.

The 2019 NFL trade deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 4 p.m. ET.