Plan by 49ers' John Lynch could clutter QB situation

The old cliché is that if you have two starting-caliber quarterbacks, you have none. The 49ers apparently don’t believe it.

Despite having one of the more interesting starting QB battles already, the 49ers are talking about adding another QB to the mix.

“We may have to look at the quarterback market, in addition to Brock [Purdy] and Trey [Lance], to insulate ourselves from whatever may happen," 49ers general manager John Lynch said at the NFL Scouting Combine, according to NFL.com.

Lynch didn't rule out bringing back former starter Jimmy Garoppolo, a nine-year veteran.

The GM doesn’t sound like he is thinking about adding an undrafted free agent or a low-cost third backup to the mix. It sounds like he wants a veteran with starting experience. That could create more problems in the long run.

The Niners already have Lance, the No. 3 overall pick from the 2021 NFL Draft, and end-of-the-season darling Purdy. Lance started the season but suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 2. He has resumed throwing and doesn’t have a limp, per the NFL.com report.

In 2022, rookie Brock Purdy -- the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft -- led the 49ers into the playoffs after San Francisco lost Garoppolo to a season-ending injury. Purdy suffered a torn UCL in his throwing arm in a playoff loss to the Eagles. Swelling has delayed surgery, and he has a six-month recovery timetable.

One or both should be ready for the start of the season.

If the 49ers add a quality veteran quarterback – such as free agent Andy Dalton or Jacoby Brissett – it could foster more drama. A quarterback might only be needed for camp, and adding a veteran creates the potential of a bruised ego when the vet is benched for the other two.

The team also has only $1.2 million and change in cap space, per Spotrac, so investing in a decent quarterback would require creating more room. The signing of a highly paid veteran QB could leave the team with little to spend elsewhere.

There is also the question of whether a decent veteran would even want to come to the Bay. The player would know he is likely heading to the bench when Purdy or Lance is ready. 

The 49ers have already invested heavy resources in time and draft picks for Lance. They have a media darling and a successful quarterback in Purdy. The team has an interesting enough dilemma picking one to start when both are healthy.

Adding a quality, highly paid veteran to the mix doesn't make sense.