When the NFL Draft concluded without the 49ers selecting a quarterback, there was a clear need — even if a low priority — that required addressing.
Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch said they were hoping to add an undrafted free agent quarterback after missing out on a host of rookie prospects.
But according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo, San Francisco is going a slightly different route. They’ll sign former Broncos and Bengals quarterback Brandon Allen.
Allen, 30, was a backup for Joe Burrow for the past three seasons. He was a former sixth-round selection by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016, but didn’t make his first appearance in the NFL until 2019, when he got a chance with the Broncos.
In 15 career games (nine starts), he’s got a 56.7 completion percentage with 1,611 passing yards, 10 TDs and 6 INTs.
With him on the roster, San Francisco now has four quarterbacks signed. That was a crucial addition given the fluidity of Brock Purdy’s return timeline. The 49ers want to have a third arm, along with Trey Lance and Sam Darnold, for OTAs and training camp.
Purdy underwent surgery on March 10 and is expected to be re-evaluated in early June to determine if he can start throwing. A more concrete timeline should be available then.