8 former 49ers who will be available in free agency (and 4 who may return)

There are a number of former 49ers who will be available in free agency, and several of them may have a decent chance of returning to the red and gold.
Carolina Panthers v San Francisco 49ers
Carolina Panthers v San Francisco 49ers / Lachlan Cunningham/GettyImages
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Josh Johnson
San Francisco 49ers vs Philadelphia Eagles / Perry Knotts/GettyImages

Former 49ers available in free agency: QB Josh Johnson

The reason I say that most 49ers fans would like to forget Josh Johnson is not through any fault of his own. He was thrust into an impossible situation in last year's NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles when Brock Purdy went down and did his best before having to leave the game with a concussion.

The name simply conjures the memories from that game when fans felt helpless watching their favorite team compete for a chance to reach the Super Bowl without having a guy who could throw the ball.

Johnson has incredibly had four separate stints with the 49ers in his career. He is the ultimate definition of a journeyman. It seems highly unlikely that the 37-year-old will get a fifth stint.

Even though both Sam Darnold and Brandon Allen are going to be free agents, the 49ers likely want to have a better option at back up than Johnson. Of course, they are hoping Brock Purdy will be able to play in every game, but it is the NFL and quarterback injuries happen. Needless to say that if the 49ers can't retain either Darnold or Allen, Johnson will not be the first call they make.

So there you have it. 8 former 49ers who are going to be available in free agency. A reunion may make sense for both sides when it comes to the likes of Moseley, Williams, Al-Shaair, and Bourne so we will have to see if any of these former Niners are destined to don the red and gold again next season.

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