5 quarterbacks to consider if SF 49ers pull plug on Jimmy Garoppolo

SF 49ers Candidate No. 1: Zach Wilson

Outside of Nick Mullens, the previous quarterbacking candidates for the SF 49ers are likely to be awfully expensive, and the need to win with signal-callers on rookie contracts, particularly when other players are making top dollar on a roster, can be vital.

Just ask the 2019 Kansas City Chiefs with quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his pre-massive deal.

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There’s a strong chance the Niners turn to the 2021 NFL Draft to find Jimmy Garoppolo’s replacement, potentially allowing a rookie to marinate briefly under Mullens in what would likely be a transitional year without serious playoff hopes.

San Francisco isn’t bad enough to land Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, assuredly pegged to go No. 1 overall. Ohio State’s Justin Fields and North Dakota State’s Trey Lance could also be within the top 10 and will go to some of the other quarterback-needy teams. Perhaps the Cowboys or even the Vikings could be in play there, depending on what transpires between now and this upcoming April.

But a name to watch here for the SF 49ers is Zach Wilson, a steady quarterbacking riser out of BYU with a 74.6 completion percentage and 19 pass touchdowns against two interceptions for the Cougars over seven games this season.

Wilson, 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, has all those traits desired in a first-round quarterback. The only question is whether or not the SF 49ers wind up drafting after he ends up being selected.

And that question still hinges on whether or not Kyle Shanahan and the Niners move on from Garoppolo in the first place.