Who Will Be the 49ers’ Third Option at QB?

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan made it clear at the NFL owners’ meetings that he wanted three quarterbacks at the beginning of training camp. With Brock Purdy unlikely to be cleared for camp, the team has two quarterbacks—Trey Lance and Sam Darnold. So who will be the third quarterback for the 49ers?

San Francisco met with two quarterbacks before the team’s local pro day on April 12. First, they met with Logan Bonner at Utah State’s pro day. Then, they held a private workout with UCLA’s Dorian Thompson-Robinson after meeting with him at the NFL Scouting Combine.

At the local pro day, the team invited several quarterbacks—Jake Haener of Fresno State, Tanner McKee of Stanford, and Ike Ogbogu of Houston.

The 49ers have a few scenarios to play with. Shanahan said they wouldn’t just draft anyone at quarterback, so let’s begin with the draft. It appears the team will look to draft a player. Last season, San Francisco drafted Brock Purdy with the last overall selection, which worked out well for the 49ers. Purdy had a fifth-round grade, but the team had other needs in the fifth round. If a quarterback with high value is available late in the draft, expect the team to pull the trigger on drafting one.

The second scenario is they bring in a veteran on an inexpensive deal. Quarterbacks Kurt Benkert and Josh Johnson could be possible options because they are familiar with the system. No one wants Johnson to wear the red and gold again after his performance in the NFC Championship Game, but a concussion forced him to leave the game. Perhaps he will get another opportunity with the team.

The third scenario is the team signs an undrafted free agent. How likely is it that an undrafted free agent makes the team? According to last year’s undrafted free agent, Jordan Mason, it’s around one percent. My point is it’s possible. If the 49ers don’t see their quarterback taken, they will make an offer to the rookie after the draft.

Who will be the team’s third option at quarterback? That’s to be determined. If I had to guess, the 49ers would go the draft route. They have 11 draft picks, and the team has no glaring needs. Keep your eyes open to Thompson-Robinson. He seems to have the team’s interest.