SF 49ers: 4 positions needing most attention in 2021

SF 49ers Position Need No. 1: Quarterback

Pending Free Agents: C.J. Beathard, Nick Mullens (RFA), Josh Johnson

Some may argue cornerback is more important to the SF 49ers this offseason than quarterback, especially because the Niners already have an experienced signal-caller, Jimmy Garoppolo, signed through next year.

San Francisco 49ers

But Garoppolo’s cap savings of $24.1 million, if cut or traded, would afford the Niners the needed cap space to engineer so many of the other deals they’ll likely need to keep the core of the roster intact next season. And in light of the so-many questions about Garoppolo’s fit within Kyle Shanahan’s offense, it makes sense why there’s no shortage of speculation about San Francisco moving on from Jimmy G between now and the start of the 2021 season.

Garoppolo is only on the surface of the quarterbacking questions, though. And given how no other position is considered more important or gains as much attention as a signal-caller, it’s understandable why this spot is ranked No. 1.

Just ask fans about Garoppolo’s backup, Nick Mullens, who has struggled in relief of Jimmy G this season and faces an uncertain future as a restricted free agent.

Mullens and the other backup, C.J. Beathard, could easily be gone in 2021 in favor of either a journeyman with experience to mentor, possibly, a high-profile quarterback selected in next year’s NFL Draft.

Or, perhaps, the Niners make some sort of blockbuster deal to bring in a veteran starter to replace Garoppolo, all the while needing someone capable of filling out the depth chart.

Considering Shanahan’s offense hasn’t quite taken off in the manner many hoped it would over his coaching tenure, it’s a safe bet to assume this position will be tops on the head coach’s mind between now and the 2021 NFL Draft.