Jeremy Fowler recently broke down the key free-agency moves for each NFL team in a feature for ESPN. What were his thoughts on the San Francisco 49ers? While the team bolstered the offensive line with Trent Williams' re-signing and the addition of Alex Mack and re-signed key players like fullback Kyle Juszczyk and cornerback Jason Verrett, the ESPN writer sounds like he expected a move to bolster another position.
"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."
San Francisco was also reportedly in the mix for Andy Dalton before the Chicago Bears signed the quarterback. Fowler reports that the team spoke with Mitch Trubisky's representatives before he joined the Buffalo Bills. It sounds like the 49ers are trying to improve the backup spots behind starter Jimmy Garoppolo, who missed 10 games last season due to ankle injuries and 23 games over the past three seasons.
Fowler adds this nugget: "Rumors persist that Jacksonville quarterback Gardner Minshew II could be in their plans via trade."
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While "rumors" don't point to reported interest, it is an interesting statement. Minshew has 20 games of starting experience in his two NFL seasons, has thrown for 5,530 yards with 37 touchdowns with 11 interceptions during that span, and is scheduled to earn $850,000 in case salary this season. That's a bargain for an experienced backup quarterback.
Minshew started eight games last season, but the Jaguars are expected to draft Trevor Lawrence with the No. 1 overall pick.
As for the possibility of upgrading from Garoppolo, there aren't too many choices right now outside of a possible pipe dream or two.
"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."