At 1-7 on the season, the San Francisco 49ers are currently projected to have the second overall selection in next year's draft, with only the winless Cleveland Browns ahead of them. Watson is very likely to be one of the top quarterbacks available if not the best quarterback available and the 49ers have a desperate need at the position.
Current starter Colin Kaepernick recently restructured his contract. It now allows him to void the contract following this season and become a free agent, which he is expected to do. The other two quarterbacks on the roster, Blaine Gabbert, and Christian Ponder will also be free agents. While the possibility of resigning one or both of them remains, neither is considered to be a viable option in the long run.
The 49ers are in need of a bonified starting quarterback that the team can build around. General manager Trent Baalke failed to properly address the position in this year's draft. He selected Jeff Driskel out of Louisiana Tech in the sixth round, but he failed to make the final roster and was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals.
This season, through nine games, Watson has passed completed 204 of his 317 passes for 2,497 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Through 30 total games with the Tigers, Watson has completed 67.4-percent of his passes for 7,480 yards, 68 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions. He has also rushed for 1,457 yards and 18 touchdowns on 321 attempts.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers target interior O-line help in 2027 NFL mock draft
The San Francisco 49ers' offensive line has performed at a high level through the first five games of the 2026 season, allowing only three sacks, an NFL low. All three came Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. Still, the 49ers could look to bolster the unit in the 2027 NFL... -
John Lynch reveals why the 49ers excel with late-round draft picks
The San Francisco 49ers have relied on young players more than expected in recent seasons, largely because injuries have reduced the roster's depth. Two defensive rookies, linebacker Jaden Dugger and defensive tackle Gracen Halton, have seen their roles grow, potentially... -
49ers' Dre Greenlaw plans to appeal NFL's suspension decision
The San Francisco 49ers will likely be without linebacker Dre Greenlaw when they host the Washington Commanders on Monday, October 19. The NFL suspended Greenlaw for one game without pay for "an act of unsportsmanlike conduct" during Sunday's 32-29 win over the Seattle... -
49ers in Week 6 power rankings: 'They're the best team in the NFL'
After five weeks of NFL action, the San Francisco 49ers remain undefeated at 5-0. Their latest victory came against a longtime NFC West rival, the Seattle Seahawks. The 49ers delivered another gritty performance, edging Seattle 32-29, handing the Seahawks their second loss of...