During a feature for ESPN, Jeremy Fowler recently broke down the key free-agency moves for each NFL team in the league. When he got to the 49ers, he sounded like a man who the team to make a huge move at QB.
“The 49ers are up to something at quarterback,” wrote Fowler. “They had extensive talks with (Joe) Flacco, who hit it off with Kyle Shanahan during a visit last week before ultimately choosing Philly.”
Fowler reports that the team spoke with Mitch Trubisky’s representatives before he joined the Buffalo Bills.
Fowler then added: “Rumors persist that Jacksonville quarterback Gardner Minshew II could be in their plans via trade.”
If the 49ers trade for Minshew, the battle between him and Garoppolo for the starting quarterback job will be one of the most intriguing in the NFL this preseason.
In 2019, Minshew was electric, hence why he earned the name “Minshew Mania.” Minshew started eight games last season and the magic was all but gone. Minshew went 1-7 in eight starts in 2020 and threw for 2,259 yards with 16 touchdown passes and five interceptions.
The Jags clearly don’t have him in their future plans as they are expected to draft Trevor Lawrence with the No. 1 overall pick.
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“Watson would be one (option), of course,” Fowler added. “But he’s hardly a slam dunk to be dealt. So, for now, San Francisco can focus on adding to the quarterback room and adjust from there.”
As a starter, Garoppolo is 22-8. Last year, Garoppolo threw for a mere 1,096 yards, seven touchdowns and five interceptions during his injury-ridden 2020 campaign.
