The San Francisco 49ers have some work ahead of them this offseason. The team has some key free agents hitting the market and it will be tough to retain all of them. Most importantly, they have to figure out what they are doing at the quarterback position.
The only thing San Francisco knows in regard to the quarterback position is that Jimmy Garoppolo will not be part of the equation. He is a free agent and head coach Kyle Shanahan said he will be moving on.
Who will be the starter in 2023 and long-term are answers that the 49ers have to figure out. The team had high hopes for Trey Lance, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, but he didn’t even make it through two games in his first season as a starter before getting hurt. Brock Purdy came on in relief of Garoppolo in Week 13 and took the league by storm, but is dealing with a UCL injury.
Right now, it looks like Lance is on track to be the starter, especially if Purdy’s elbow injury keeps him off the field. While the 49ers figure things out with their two young quarterbacks, they also have to find some depth for the position this offseason.
If 2022 showed the franchise anything, it is that you can never have too many quarterbacks. Purdy and his backup, Josh Johnson, both got hurt in the NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles, which ultimately led to their demise.
Certainly, in the market for a veteran this offseason, an NFL scout that spoke to NFL Analysis Network revealed a quarterback to keep an eye on when it comes to the 49ers. They believe that Carson Wentz could be on his way to the Bay Area.
“The 49ers are going to be a team to watch for (Carson) Wentz. He wouldn’t be a starter, but they want a veteran backup behind Trey Lance and Brock Purdy. Don’t be surprised if they end up pursuing him.”
Wentz was officially released by the Washington Commanders this week, a move that was a mere formality. With zero guaranteed dollars remaining on his contract, it was a no-brainer decision for the Commanders to release the veteran.
The last two seasons have been tough ones for Wentz. He came up short when the Indianapolis Colts and Commanders needed him most in consecutive seasons and could find himself making rounds as a backup. If that is the case, the 49ers are a great landing spot for him.
Loaded with weapons, any quarterback should find success in Shanahan’s system. He also wouldn’t have high expectations as a backup, just providing insurance behind Lance and Purdy depending on how their injuries shake out.
While there have been struggles the last few seasons, having a player of Wentz’s caliber as your backup would put the 49ers in a good spot. He is certainly capable of keeping things afloat for a few weeks even if he cannot be counted on as a starter for a full 17-game season.
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