49ers Seek Backup Quarterback Upgrade: Free Agency Options to Watch
A new contract for quarterback Brock Purdy remains at the top of the San Francisco 49ers’ offseason priority list. However, that won’t be their only move under center this offseason.
In the 2024 season, Purdy was backed up by Brandon Allen and Joshua Dobbs, both of whom are slated to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason. It’s unlikely that both will return, making it crucial for the 49ers to reassess their backup quarterback situation.
Allen and Dobbs each started one game with mixed results. An elbow injury for Purdy in Week 17 underscored the fragility of the starting QB spot and the need for reliable backup options to ensure some insulation from potential injuries to Purdy.
The 49ers aren’t expected to splurge on a backup quarterback, but it wouldn’t be surprising if they aimed to upgrade the QB2 spot.
Here are a few outside options they could pursue in free agency this offseason:
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones (10) calls a play during the fourth quarter Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars held off the Titans 20-13. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Look … if head coach Kyle Shanahan really did like Jones enough before the draft to trade up to No. 3 overall for him, it’s not an insane notion he’d try to bring in the 26-year-old to back up Purdy. Jones was the backup in Jacksonville last season and went 2-5 in seven starts. He completed 65.3 percent of his throws for eight touchdowns and eight interceptions while averaging 6.4 yards per attempt.
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daniel Jones (13) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
There’s a chance Jones gets a shot to start somewhere. If he doesn’t, taking the Sam Darnold route by spending a season with Shanahan and the 49ers to rebuild some of his value could be a good route as he tries to regain his status as a starting signal caller. Jones has good mobility and he’s completing 64.1 percent of his passes for his career with 70 touchdowns and 47 interceptions.
Dec 29, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Mason Rudolph (11) throws the ball against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
Rudolph is 9-8-1 as a starter with 28 touchdowns and 20 interceptions in his career. He went just 1-4 in five starts for the Tennessee Titans last season, but he was 3-0 with the Pittsburgh Steelers the year before that. He also averaged 9.7 yards per attempt in 2023.
Jan 5, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (11) throws for a reception at SoFi Stadium as the Seattle Seahawks face off versus Los Angeles Rams Week 18 matchup. Mandatory Credit: William Navarro-Imagn Images
Oct 27, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) reacts after a touchdown against the New York Jets during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
There may not be a more backup QB right now than Brissett. He started five games for New England in 2024, but spent most of the year behind rookie No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye. The key if a backup QB is starting is that they take care of the football, and Brissett’s career 1.4 percent interception rate is outstanding.
Oct 20, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14) passes the ball against the Washington Commanders during the second quarter at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Dalton may have found a home in Carolina behind breakout QB Bryce Young. The Panthers may want to keep Dalton around, but he’s proven to be a quality backup who can credibly start a game or two in the NFL.
