© Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Jimmy Garoppolo’s knee injury may become a blessing in disguise.
Since Week 4, C.J. Beathard and Nick Mullens have assumed the quarterback duties for the 49ers. While Beathard went 0-5 in his starts, his numbers improved across the board from his rookie to sophomore campaigns. He threw for 1,252 yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions in five starts this season.
Mullens has recently impressed, leading the 49ers to two of their three wins on the season throughout the past five weeks. Mullens has completed nearly 64 percent of his throws, accumulating 1,479 yards, nine touchdowns, and six interceptions in five starts.
Having three viable quarterbacks may lead to trade possibilities in 2019. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport joined KNBR’s Tolbert and Lund Monday to discuss that prospect.
“It’s really a freebee,” Rapoport said. “I don’t know what Nick Mullens is going to become, but let’s say you go into next year’s training camp with three quarterbacks whom you really like. Someone, maybe Mullens, maybe Beathard, emerges as the backup. The other one gives you a chance to trade someone for a real, legitimate return.”
Rapoport compared the 49ers’ situation to what the New York Jets got in return for Teddy Bridgewater. They traded Bridgewater and a sixth-round pick to the Saints for a third-round pick. Bridgewater has thrown 28 touchdowns and 22 interceptions and has a 17-11 career record through four NFL seasons.
Of course, Mullens has to continue playing well. And other front offices might not be impressed with either Beathard’s 1-9 career record or his inconsistency. But Rapoport seems to believe there may be potential trade value in the 49ers’ backup quarterback situation. And for a team with just five picks in the 2019 NFL Draft, acquiring another one could be huge.
“If the 49ers come out of next year with a backup quarterback they can trade to someone, because (Mullens or Beathard) would be their third-stringer, that is a legitimate and real return,” Rapoport said. “I like where that development has happened this year, just as far as from a franchise-building standpoint.”
Listen to the Tolbert & Lund podcast below. To hear Rapoport on Mullens and Beathard, skip to the 2:55 mark.