Free NFL QB agents avoiding San Francisco 49ers

The NFL quarterback market has been active in the first two days of the NFL’s free agent negotiation period, and while the 49ers have been involved in talks with some of the available signal callers, they have yet to land a veteran to serve as a backup for Jimmy Garoppolo.

Given that Garoppolo is likely to return and injury issues have left him with significant time in two of the last three years, head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch both stressed the importance of this off-season to improve the roster. behind their holder.

A number of veteran options were available in the free agency, but some of the best players at the center signed elsewhere, limiting the options of the 49ers.

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

Ryan Fitzpatrick has agreed a one-year contract with the Washington football team to compete for a starting job.

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

Another player who 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 take on the role of mentoring Tagovailoa, while also serving as a capable reserve in case the young QB is injured or fighting.

Tyrod Taylor joined the Texans through a one-year deal, also encouraged in a place where he will either serve as a backup or get a shot at the start if Deshaun Watson is either traded or distributed throughout the season. .

The 49ers were never likely to make Garoppolo direct and sign a new starter. He was not off the table, but except for one team that downloads more options for him, San Francisco always seemed content to enter the 2021 campaign with Garoppolo under the center. The agreements the free agent veterans agreed on were far above any price the 49ers felt comfortable with, and they all went to places where they would at least fight for an initial job.

The already fascinating situation of the 49ers quarterback should become more interesting as the free agency unfolds and the project shakes.

Here are some free agent defenders still available: