5 players who likely suited up with SF 49ers for the last time
By Peter Panacy
No. 1: SF 49ers Quarterback C.J. Beathard
In one negative way, quarterback C.J. Beathard‘s last meaningful play in an SF 49ers uniform was the strip-sack fumble, which the Seahawks recovered and then turned into the Week 17 game-icing touchdown to all but eliminate any chance of a Niners win.
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True, Beathard responded with a late fourth-quarter drive and passing touchdown to Jeff Wilson. But the lack of pocket awareness and being on the wrong end of a turnover could potentially mark a painful, poignant epitaph of his career in San Francisco coming to a potential close.
A free agent to be in 2021, the SF 49ers have little reason to retain Beathard. His 2-10 record as a starter, paired with no noticeable development in his on-field abilities, likely marks the end of his Niners tenure.
San Francisco needs some shakeups in its quarterback room this offseason. Whether or not that includes the starter, Jimmy Garoppolo, is up for speculation. Yet it’s clear bona fide upgrades over both Beathard and the other quarterback on the roster, Nick Mullens, are needed.
Perhaps to guard against future injuries to Jimmy G, someone else or at least to provide some much-needed competition under center.
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At least Beathard can get some credit for being tough and finishing his last drive in an SF 49ers uniform with a touchdown pass, as those largely eluded him during his pro career up to this point.