"San Francisco is among the teams that have called Carolina to gauge the Panthers' interest in potentially trading Bridgewater, according to league sources," wrote Person. "San Francisco general manager John Lynch indicated last week the 49ers would like to find a solid backup as insurance for oft-injured starter Jimmy Garoppolo."
Person notes that USA Radio Network host Dan Sileo first reported the news last weekend, which apparently fell through the cracks.
While the report from The Athletic points out that the 49ers are looking to upgrade the backup quarterback spot, Bridgewater's contract earns him starting money. He has a base salary of $17 million in 2021 and $20 million in 2022.
Lynch said on the Eye Test for Two podcast last week that San Francisco has to have better backup options in place should Garoppolo miss time again, but reiterated that the 49ers have faith that Garoppolo will be the quarterback in September.
"Though, being available is a big part of this thing," Lynch said. "So ... we probably, as a stated goal, we have to insulate ourselves better, and we have to have better options if he's not there."
Added Lynch: "When he's healthy, he's played at a high level. But we probably have to add someone. We probably need to improve ourselves, so if he's not there we're all right … we can win games."
Person adds that the Panthers aren't in a hurry to trade their quarterback. The team is waiting to see how their offseason unfolds before making any decision on Bridgewater. Carolina is among the teams expected to try to upgrade the quarterback position. That could come via a trade or the draft.
The Minnesota Vikings drafted Bridgewater out of Louisville with the No. 32 overall pick in 2014. He completed 340-of-492 attempts (69.1 percent) for 3,733 yards with 15 touchdowns and 11 interceptions through 15 games with the Panthers in 2020.
Bridgewater, 28, has completed 66.5 percent of his passes for 11,385 yards with 53 touchdowns and 36 interceptions through his six NFL seasons. He spent three seasons with the Vikings, and then two with the New Orleans Saints before signing a three-year deal with Carolina in 2020.
Bridgewater was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2015.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Playoff picture: 49ers remain in contention after beating Panthers
The San Francisco 49ers stayed firmly in the NFC playoff hunt with a 20-9 win over the visiting Carolina Panthers on Monday night. Quarterback Brock Purdy threw three first-half interceptions, which sparked much discussion among the media, but the 49ers' defense and timely... -
49ers in Week 13 power rankings: Where San Francisco stands after win over Panthers
The San Francisco 49ers achieved a milestone they hadn't reached since September—back-to-back victories. The team defeated the visiting Carolina Panthers 20-9 on Monday Night Football at Levi's Stadium, aiming to build momentum for the final stretch of the season... -
49ers top Panthers 20-9 in Week 12: Rapid reactions
The San Francisco 49ers are in a tight race toward the postseason, and need all the wins they can get. On Monday night, they secured another win, defeating the Carolina Panthers 20-9. With their eighth win of the season, the 49ers stay in the playoff picture. Here are my rapid... -
49ers vs. Panthers PFF grades: Best and worst from the game, plus snap counts
The San Francisco 49ers improved their record to 8-4 after a 20-9 win against the Carolina Panthers in Week 12. Today, Pro Football Focus released its grades and snap counts from the game. Which Niners stood out, and who needs more work? Highest-graded 49ers:...