Ponder was drafted in 2011 by the Minnesota Vikings with the 12th overall pick. He would go on to start 26 games during his first two seasons with the Vikings. His best season came in 2012 when he started all 16 games for the Vikings, completing 62.1 percent of his passes for 2,935 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
During his college career, Ponder played for Florida State and was the Seminoles' starting quarterback from 2008 to 2010.
Ponder, who grew up a Broncos fan, signed with Denver in November of 2015, but was waived the next month. The 49ers will practice with the Broncos this week prior to their Week 2 preseason matchup in Denver on Saturday.
The 49ers went through a team walk-through/practice today with just two quarterbacks. Colin Kaepernick is suffering for shoulder soreness and has not fully practiced with the team since Wednesday, August 10. That was six days ago. He missed Sunday's preseason game against the Houston Texans – a game that saw backup quarterback Thad Lewissuffer a torn ACL.
Lewis, who was officially placed on injured reserve today, will miss the season and Kaepernick's status remains unclear despite head coach Chip Kelly calling it "day-to-day."
#49ers announce that they've placed Thad Lewis on injured reserve; signed Christian Ponder to a one-year deal.
49ers sign Brandon Aiyuk to a 4-year, $120 million deal
By David Bonilla
Aug 29
The lengthy contract dispute between the San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has finally come to an end. The two sides have reportedly agreed on a contract extension, concluding months of negotiations and drama. Aiyuk is set to sign a four-year, $120 million...
49ers officially sign WR Brandon Aiyuk to a 4-year contract extension
By David Bonilla
Aug 30
The San Francisco 49ers have officially signed wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk to a four-year extension, securing him through the 2028 season. The news was first reported on Thursday. The deal is reportedly worth $120 million, including $76 million in guaranteed money.
"We were...
Greg Olsen: Teams are 'scared to death' of 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey
By Tim Ryan
Aug 23
Former Panthers tight end Greg Olsen only played with Christian McCaffrey in Carolina for three years before eventually retiring after the 2020 season and quickly pivoting to media, becoming an analyst for Fox. But those three seasons spent with McCaffrey—now thriving as...
Deebo Samuel says it best: 49ers' Christian McCaffrey is a machine
By Tim Ryan
Aug 28
To describe the level of greatness that running back Christian McCaffrey achieved in his first full season with the San Francisco 49ers, one that saw him run away with the award for NFL Offensive Player of the Year, it would be probably pretty easy for someone to go on and on...
