QB news: The #49ers are signing Matt Barkley, source said. He impressed late in the season when given a shot.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2017
Hoyer may have had some influence on the decision. After all, the two were teammates with Chicago last season. Barkley, a fourth-round selection by the Philadelphia Eagles out of USC in 2013, played in seven games and started six for the Bears last season. He completed 59.7-percent of his passes for 1,611 yards, six touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. Barkley also spent a season (2015) with the Arizona Cardinals.
Back to the golden state.. Hey @49ers, let's do this! pic.twitter.com/DzrBSxo0w1
— Matthew Barkley (@MattBarkley) March 10, 2017
Chicago signed Barkley on September 4, 2016, and he was elevated to the active roster on September 22, 2016. After Hoyer was injured in a game against the Green Bay Packers, Barkley made his first NFL start. An injury to Jay Cutler would once again force Barkley into the starting role.
Last season, Barkley led Chicago to a 26-6 victory over the 49ers. He completed 11 of his 18 passes for 192 yards in that game.