49ers 2020 training camp: One battle to watch for each position
By Peter Panacy
49ers Quarterback: C.J. Beathard or Nick Mullens… Again?
Last year, the primary quarterbacking battle for San Francisco fell between backups Nick Mullens and C.J. Beathard, with the former earning the primary role to support Jimmy Garoppolo in case of injury.
San Francisco 49ers
While most teams elect to keep two quarterbacks on a 53-man roster, Kyle Shanahan went against the grain and held onto Beathard, although the Niners’ third-round pick from 2017 wasn’t active for any of the team’s regular-season or postseason games.
How the backup battle pans out in 2020 will have a different context now. Beathard is entering a contract year and could be fighting to save his NFL career after going 1-9 as a starter since his rookie season. Mullens, meanwhile, will be a restricted free agent next season. And while San Francisco has a strong chance to retain him, there’s the ever-present reality this season could be Mullens’ last with the 49ers.
Especially if another team is willing to bid an appropriate RFA tender compensation piece.
It’ll be interesting to see how the Niners navigate this situation. In the immediate future, would they want to open up a roster spot by parting ways with Beathard before Week 1? Will Mullens potentially be on the trade block?
Next. 49ers' 3 strongest position groups on 2020 roster. dark
It’s a fair question, and their battles in training camp should provide a lot of support material towards the final decision.