David Chao, MD
2 min read • March 13, 2023
Posted in
The San Francisco 49ers bolstered their quarterback depth Monday with the signing of former Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold.
The former USC quarterback joined the roster on a one-year deal, presumably to back up Brock Purdy and Trey Lance.
As the Pro Football Docs have foreshadowed for weeks, San Francisco needed to add quarterback depth because of the uncertainty with the recovery timelines of Purdy and Lance.
In the best case, Purdy would be cleared to begin throwing just before training camp but that is far from a guarantee.
Lance is further along in his recovery from the Week 2 ankle fracture/dislocation that ended his season. It’s also no guarantee that he will be fully mobile and effective by Week 1.
Darnold presents a safe third option without a steep cost.
He has played in 56 games in his 5-year career split between the New York Jets and the Carolina Panthers. Darnold has averaged 210 yards per game in his career, with 61 total touchdown throws and 55 interceptions.
San Francisco also added defensive tackle Javon Hargrave on a 4-year, $84 million deal.
The 49ers are tied for the second-best odds to win Super Bowl LVII at +900, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
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Written by David Chao, MD
