Niner Noise
FanSided

4 SF 49ers who helped 2021 free-agent value with win vs. Cardinals

By Peter Panacy

Wide receiver Christian Kirk #13 of the Arizona Cardinals tackled by cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
Wide receiver Christian Kirk #13 of the Arizona Cardinals tackled by cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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C.J. Beathard, SF 49ers
San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) throws to tight end George Kittle (85) Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3: SF 49ers Quarterback C.J. Beathard

The story for C.J. Beathard needs little introduction. He had a 1-9 record as a starter since being selected in Round 3 of the 2017 NFL Draft and hovered around league lows in both completion percentage and passer rating in the years since before hitting Week 16.

Nearly a year after losing his brother to a tragic shooting in Nashville, Tennessee, Beathard finally got a small shot at redemption, going a solid 13-of-22 for 182 yards with three touchdowns against zero interceptions for a passer rating of 125.4. While he was responsible for the Niners’ lone turnover in the game, a fumble on an attempted pass, Beathard essentially did everything he was asked to do.

And it was working, especially with the run game clicking so well.

But running back Jeff Wilson Jr. is a restricted free agent next year, so his career-best rushing day of 183 yards won’t change his contract tender in 2021.

Beathard, who could easily be fighting for his NFL life next season, probably convinced at least a few coaches he’s worth a new contract next season.

It might be in San Francisco. It might be elsewhere. Yet the quarterback having such a good showing towards the end of the year only helps up his value.