SF 49ers: 4 players who have most to prove over final six games
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: SF 49ers Quarterback Nick Mullens
Where are all those Niners fans who insisted the team not trade away quarterback Nick Mullens last offseason for anything less than a second-round NFL Draft pick?
They’re awfully quiet.
Mullens’ trade value has taken a serious hit this season, and his merely so-so efforts this year have shown why the starter, Jimmy Garoppolo, is still the best signal-caller on the team’s roster. To date, Mullens’ 1-3 record with a stat line of 115-of-171, six touchdowns against six interceptions and a 89.1 passer rating haven’t all accumulated to suggest he’s a quality option. Perhaps in garbage time or against bad teams, but that’s it.
Now, Mullens is battling for his NFL future.
A restricted free agent in 2021, there’s no indication San Francisco will be inclined to retain him on a qualifying tender. Even if the SF 49ers choose to move on from Garoppolo, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Niners look for another quarterback to develop via the NFL Draft, pushing Mullens into a free-agent pool that’ll boast far more experienced names with better accolade sheets.
If Mullens plays more like he did late in 2018, there’s a stronger chance the SF 49ers retain him. Or at least he improves his free-agent value next season.
If not, Mullens could have a tough time landing a new job elsewhere.