49ers will sign former UFL MVP Adrian Martinez to practice squad as third QB

SANTA CLARA — The 49ers are turning to a past MVP of a professional league to open the 2025 NFL season as their third quarterback.Adrian Martinez, 25, is scheduled to join the 49ers’ practice squad when the team returns to practice on Thursday, 49ers general manager John Lynch said Wednesday.When NBC Sports Bay Area asked Lynch who the team would sign to the practice squad, he answered, “He’s still en route, but Adrian Martinez is his name.”The 49ers kept two quarterbacks — starter Brock Purdy and backup Mac Jones — on their 53-man roster. Martinez will not be allowed to suit up for regular-season games as long as he remains on the practice squad.The New York Jets waived Martinez on Sunday. The Jets kept two quarterbacks on their active roster: starter Justin Fields and veteran backup Tyrod Taylor.Martinez completed 30 of 51 pass attempts for 352 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions during the preseason this summer. He gained 26 yards on three rushing attempts.Martinez originally signed with the Jets in 2024 after being named the top player of the UFL. He spent last year on the Jets’ practice squad.As a member of the...