The San Francisco 49ers need a backup quarterback, and it looks like they’ll have the same one they employed last season.
Source: QB Blaine Gabbert is “staying in San Francisco.”
— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 11, 2015
Blaine Gabbert didn’t start a game for the 49ers in 2014, getting mop-up duty in the blowout loss to the Broncos and that was it. He completed 3-of-7 passes for 38 yards and a touchdown in that game.
Why did the 49ers retain Gabbert, who has a career passer rating of 66.8?
— He knows the offense Geep Chryst.
— He’s a fan favorite.
— The team had very few options, with Mark Sanchez re-signing with the Eagles and the Texans grabbing Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett. Jake Locker, who I listed as a possibility in my “10 free agents who seem like they could be Baalke guys” post, announced his retirement today at the age of 26.
— This year’s quarterback draft class is putrid. Unless the 49ers want to burn a second rounder on Brett Hundley or Garrett Grayson, or take a flier on Bryce Petty, Sean Mannion or Cody Fajardo, the pickings are slim. They still may grab a quarterback in this draft to compete with Gabbert, however.
— Gabbert was a high draft pick (10th overall in 2011), and that’s something Baalke loves.
