SF 49ers must call these 4 free-agent QBs after Jimmy Garoppolo injury

SF 49ers Quarterback Target No. 4: Broc Rutter

Well, it would be a post-NFL Draft reunion of sorts. But one easy name to recall would be that of undrafted rookie quarterback Broc Rutter, who initially joined the SF 49ers as a free agent following last April’s draft, only to find himself waived after the league mandated rosters be cut down from 90 players to 80.

Rutter, out of North Central College in Illinois, already went through many of the team’s offseason online workouts, so he has some knowledge and understanding of Kyle Shanahan’s playbook, even though Rutter’s practical on-field experience at the pro level is, well… nonexistent.

Still, it’s important to note Rutter was a high-volume passer while at college, even though his small-school pedigree might work against him in many cases. His old profile on the team’s website (no longer visible) read:

"Started 51 games in four years (2016-19) at North Central, where he threw for 14,265 yds. and 135 TDs. In 2019, earned Associated Press First-Team All-America and First-Team All-CCIW honors and was the recipient of the CCIW Art Keller Offensive Player of the Year Award. Started all 15 games and completed 309 of 435 atts. (71.0 pct.) for a single season school-record 4,591 passing yds. and 56 passing TDs. His passing yds. and passing TDs also ranked 2nd in Division III football."

Again, Rutter wouldn’t be called upon to actually hold a starting or immediate-backup job, rather fill the void as the No. 3 option once Jimmy Garoppolo goes on injured reserve.

The best part, too, is Rutter would likely be had on the cheap, saving the SF 49ers some much-needed cash.