49ers: 5 best options to back up Jimmy Garoppolo in 2021

No. 5: Could there be a reunion with Alex Smith and the 49ers?

The consensus on social media is many 49ers fans appreciate what quarterback Alex Smith did for the team in the mid-2000s, but they don’t want him back.

Pros

Smith finished the season with a 5-1 record with the Washington Football Team. He threw for over 1,500 yards and nearly came close to the 1,737 yards he threw in his final season in San Francisco.

Since he left the Bay Area, Smith has only improved his game. He’s thrown for less than 10 interceptions since 2010 and has thrown for double-digit touchdowns in 10 straight seasons between season-ending injuries.

Smith might not be the mobile QB you’re daydreaming about. But the savvy vet can pick up victories if need be. Give him the weapons of wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samul along with tight end George Kittle, and we could see a huge difference from his first stint.

Cons

Understandably, there are some side effects to signing Smith this late in his career. The biggest and most obvious being health. He’s also nearing 40 years old.

Smith is also like Jimmy Garoppolo: both pocket passers, not extremely mobile, and serious leg injuries in their own respect.

Assuming Garoppolo stays healthy throughout the season, Smith could be a solid backup in case something happens, though.