Kyle Shanahan’s backup quarterback in Atlanta could be following him to San Francisco.
Shanahan, the Falcon’s offensive coordinator and presumptive 49ers head coach, is eyeing veteran quarterback Matt Schaub as the 49ers’ next QB “if he has his way,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Sunday morning.
Falcons QB Matt Schaub could follow Atlanta OC Kyle Shanahan to SF, per sources. Schaub could be starter, backup or bridge to future SF QB.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 5, 2017
It is unclear at this point what exactly Schaub’s role would be both in the short and long term, something that would depend on what the 49ers do in the draft, and the availability of other free agent quarterbacks. With Colin Kaepernick opting out, the 49ers are expected to be without a QB on their roster come early March.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network believes that Schaub, 35, is Shanahan’s third choice, behind top target Redskins QB Kirk Cousins, and Patriots young backup Jimmy Garoppolo. It is unclear at this point if the availability of Cousins and/or Garoppolo will affect the pursuit of Schaub
#49ers starting QB could be in the building today. If Kyle Shanahan doesn’t get Kirk Cousins, his targets: Jimmy Garoppolo, then Matt Schaub
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 5, 2017
Schaub made his first of two career Pro Bowl’s when Shanahan was his offensive coordinator in Houston in 2009, and Shanahan has always respected Schaub’s play. Schaub will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.