Seattle’s rivals by The Bay have made a move in free agency to address the quarterback position, although it may not be one many were expecting – or hoping – would happen. The San Francisco 49ers have agreed to a one-year deal with former Jets and Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold.
49ers reached agreement on a one-year deal with former Panthers’ QB Sam Darnold, per source. pic.twitter.com/rpJLf1YXxi
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2023
With surprise rookie sensation Brock Purdy only recently undergoing surgery for the damaged UCL in his throwing arm, the 49ers indicated they were considering moves to help bolster their quarterback room, especially since former starter Jimmy Garoppolo is headed to Las Vegas. Now it seems they have found a player to be in the mix alongside Purdy and former No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance.
A former third overall selection himself, Darnold has obviously not lived up to the potential. Darnold went 13-25 in three years with the Jets, then 8-10 in two years with the Carolina Panthers. However, Darnold did go on a 4-2 run towards the end of last season, including a 30-24 win over the Seahawks in Seattle.
Still, signing Darnold isn’t exactly the splash move at quarterback 49ers fans were likely hoping for. Given how Tom Brady – a California native – has routinely gushed over his childhood team, and the fact no one fully believes he is fully retired for good, perhaps the people San Francisco were still holding out hope Brady would “come home.”