FOOCH'S UPDATE 4:35PM: The Huard signing has gone from potential to official. Additionally, the "reported signing" of Takeo Spikes is now an official signing. Some details from the press release:
Damon Huard
Huard (6-3, 218) enters his 13th NFL season after originally being signed as a rookie free agent by the Cincinnati Bengals out of Washington in 1996. A veteran of 64 games with 27 starts, he has posted a 15-12 overall record as a starter during his career with Kansas City (2004-08), New England (2001-03) and Miami (1997-2000). In nine of those starts, Huard recorded a passer rating of 100.0 or higher.
Huard saw action in five games with three starts as a member of the Chiefs in 2008, completing 50-of-81 passes for 477 yards with two touchdowns and four interceptions. A year prior, he started a career-high 10 games and completed 206-of-332 passes for 2,257 yards with 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. In 2005, Huard posted a career-high 98.0 passer rating after starting eight games and completing 148-of-244 passes for 1,878 yards with 11 touchdowns and only one interception.
Prior to his time with the Chiefs, Huard’s most significant action occurred in 1999 as a member of the Dolphins. He started five games that season, completing 125-of-216 passes for 1,288 yards with eight touchdowns and four interceptions.
Takeo Spikes
Spikes (6-2, 242) enters his 12th NFL season after originally being drafted in the first round (13th pick overall) of the 1998 Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals out of Auburn. A two-time Pro Bowler (2003-04) and one-time All-Pro (2004), Spikes has played in 156 games with 152 starts and has amassed 1,299 tackles, 23.5 sacks, 16 forced fumbles, 15 fumble recoveries, 15 interceptions and 50 passes defensed in his career.
In his first season with the 49ers in 2008, Spikes played in all 16 games with 13 starts, ranking second on the team with 122 tackles to go along with three interceptions, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, one sack and five passes defensed.
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Quick thanks to bayboy for spotting this first and rolling out the FanShot. I think it's safe to roll this up to the front page. Maiocco is reporting that the 49ers are close to inking QB Damon Huard to a contract.
It's not surprising that Kansas City would let Huard walk since they've got Cassel now and a cheap, solid backup option in Tyler Thigpen. I have to say, as a potential backup, and only a backup, I like this move. Damon Huard is certainly not a stud, but as an emergency option I think he's a decent guy to have. I know many folks were clamoring for Byron Leftwich, but I guess we're stuck with the older option.
Considering the team tried to bring in Bruce Gradkowski off waivers, this shouldn't exactly be a stunning development. Depending on how the draft goes, as one person said, Huard is very likely to end up as fodder. If the 49ers draft a QB and bring back Alex Smith, the rookie would be the safer bet as the #3 than Huard. Either way, it's not a major impact move.