Golden Nuggets: Kyle And The 49ers QB Situation

Kyle Shanahan is entering free agency with the San Francisco 49ers looking to rebuild a roster. Quarterback is the position of greatest need for the team, but Kyle expressed patience in getting a quarterback. He does not want to gamble the future on a quarterback that will not work out. The 49ers have been linked to about every free agent or rookie quarterback. The only quarterback in contract is Colin Kaepernick, but it is expected that he will not be back with the team.

There are a few routes Kyle can take in addressing the quarterback situation. One way is if the 49ers were to sign a veteran in free agency or through trade. The names Jimmy Garoppolo and Kirk Cousins have been floated as possible targets. The price for Kirk Cousins will be very steep if Washington franchise tag him. They would give up 2 1st round picks to Washington and they would have to pay Kirk a top QB salary. Kyle is very familiar with Kirk, but the price to get him likely means he will not be a 49er this season. Jimmy would be available in a trade, but his price would not be as steep. But, he will still come at a cost that could force the 49ers elsewhere.

The 49ers could look into the draft for their quarterback. Bringing in a rookie will allow Kyle to mold a quarterback for his offense. With the #2 pick in the upcoming draft, Kyle can choose any QB of his choosing unless the Browns take one with the #1 pick. Mitch Trubisky and Deshaun Watson are names that the 49ers have been linked to in the draft. The unlikely, but still possible scenario is that Kyle wants and convinces Colin Kaepernick to stay. While most think Colin will be gone, he could return as the starting quarterback in the same way Alex Smith was convinced to stay when Jim Harbaugh rolled into town. All the scenarios are in play and Kyle is going to be patient in the direction he goes.

49ers Links

T.O. Opposition (Florio)

The biggest question for Kyle | Franchise QB (Williams)

Patience is key for Kyle | Patience For Kyle (Wagoner)

5 Possible FAs To Resign (Jones)

What will John and Kyle do? | Trading Down (Biderman)

Kyle Speaks About QB Situation (Wesseling)

In play | Kirk Cousins (Biderman)

5 Possible FAs (Biderman)

Very similar situation | Similar QB Situation As Jim Harbaugh Inherited (Barrows)

Free Agency Starting (Barrows)

49ers Video

Making A Difference (NFL Video)