49ers free agency: 4 roster needs team still needs to address
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: The 49ers’ backup quarterbacks are people, too
The 49ers have essentially bid farewell to their two backup quarterbacks last season, C.J. Beathard and Nick Mullens. And while it seems apparent the Niners are comfortable with Jimmy Garoppolo starting under center in 2021, there’s still a glaring need to bolster the quarterback room behind him.
Perhaps this explains why San Francisco was flirting with veteran quarterback Joe Flacco last week.
Right now, the 49ers also have quarterbacks Josh Johnson and Josh Rosen on the roster. Some may argue a would-be Flacco pickup shouldn’t push Rosen, a former first-round draft pick, off the depth chart. But remember, the Niners have seen awfully little of Rosen since picking him up late last year off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad. And considering Rosen has already flamed out with the Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins, too, it’s a stretch to think he’ll suddenly find footing in San Francisco.
Yes, the 49ers could massively shake things up if they use their first pick in this year’s NFL Draft on a quarterback, all but relegating Garoppolo to lame-duck status in 2021 until a would-be rookie is ready to take over.
But if the Niners pass on that option, they’ll still need a viable backup to support Jimmy G, especially considering he hasn’t exactly shown the reputation of being able to stay healthy, missing the bulk of games in 2018 and 2020 with injuries.