NFL free agent QBs dodging the San Francisco 49ers

The NFL quarterback market was active for the first two days of the NFL’s legal free agent negotiation period, and while the 49ers were involved in conversations with some of the available signal callers, they haven’t yet brought in a veteran to act as a backup for Jimmy. to serve. Garoppolo.

With Garoppolo likely returning and his injury woes sidelined him for a considerable amount of time for two of the past three years, head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch both stressed the importance of improving the roster behind their starter.

A slew of experienced options were available in the free agency, but some of the top players under the center signed elsewhere, limiting the 49ers’ options.

Jameis Winston (Saints) and Cam Newton (Patriots) returned to their clubs to compete for or take the runway. Both were long shots to be available as backups for San Francisco.

Ryan Fitzpatrick agreed to a one-year deal with the Washington Football Team to compete for a runway.

Andy Dalton was a player for whom the 49ers were considered strong contenders according to multiple reports, but his one-year deal with the Bears gives him the opportunity to start.

Another player that would have made a lot of sense as Garoppolo’s backup was former Patriots and Colts QB Jacoby Brissett, who agreed to a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins to support Tua Tagovailoa. He will play a role as Tagovailoa’s mentor while also serving as a capable backup in case the young QB is injured or struggling.

Tyrod Taylor also joined the Texans for a one-year deal full of incentives in a place where he will either serve as a backup or get a chance to start when Deshaun Watson is traded or sits out all season.

The 49ers would probably never negotiate Garoppolo directly and sign a new starter. It wasn’t off the table, but barring a team that put out multiple picks for him, San Francisco always seemed content to roll into the 2021 campaign with Garoppolo below center. The deals the freelancers’ veterans agreed to were all well above the price point the 49ers were comfortable with, and they all went to places where they would at least compete for a runway.

The already fascinating quarterback situation of the 49ers should only get more interesting as free agency unfolds and shakes up design.

Here are some free agent quarterbacks that are still available: