49ers post opt-out 53-man roster predictions

49ers Quarterbacks (2)

Jimmy Garoppolo

Nick Mullens

It’s high time 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan abandons his C.J. Beathard project, and the extension of the practice squad and allowances for a certain number of veterans to make that group may help him do so.

With Beathard essentially out of the picture, that leaves just fully entrenched stater Jimmy Garoppolo and his able-bodied backup, Nick Mullens, to fill the position.

Yes, in these uncertain times, having Beathard still as part of the team will be useful. But using up a 53-man roster spot for him under those same circumstances feels unwise and unnecessary.

Garoppolo will be looking to build upon a successful but sometimes up-and-down 2019 for him personally. Finally free of the knee brace he wore all during last season, look for the 49ers quarterback to look more comfortable out there, in this his second full season in Shanahan’s offense.

That season has been a major one for several past Shanahan quarterbacks, including Matt Schaub in Houston and Matt Ryan in Atlanta, both of whom had career years in that sophomore season in Shanahan’s offense.

In Mullens, the 49ers have a player who has shown the ability to not hold the offense back when he’s under center. He may not translate to wins (the 49ers were just 3-5 in his eight starts in 2018), but he’ll provide stability.