Report: San Francisco 49ers to sign QB Sam Darnold
Mar 13, 2023, 2:39 PM
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Sam Darnold #14 of the Carolina Panthers throws a pass during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
The San Francisco 49ers needed to sign a veteran backup quarterback this spring, accomplishing that Day 1 with Sam Darnold.
According to reports, the former Carolina Panther is heading to San Francisco on a one-year deal. Official details on the deal have not been disclosed at this time.
Darnold is a former first-round pick, going third overall in the 2018 NFL draft. Working last season with new defensive coordinator of the 49ers, Steve Wilks, Darnold heads to The Bay as the third option in 2023.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter was first with the news.
Breaking: The 49ers have reached an agreement on a one-year deal with former Panthers’ QB Sam Darnold, a source told @AdamSchefter. pic.twitter.com/Yyjcc88xVt
— ESPN (@espn) March 13, 2023
Darnold, 25, spent the last two seasons in Carolina, boasting a 8-9 record as the starter of the Panthers. Only appearing in six contests in 2022, Darnold finished with 1143 passing yards, seven TDs and three INTs. He went 4-2 last season. Keeping the Panthers in playoff contention, Carolina narrowing missed the postseason after losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 18.
Extremely cap stricken after signing defensive tackle Javon Hargrave Monday, San Francisco needed to find a solid backup signal-caller for 2023. With QB Brock Purdy undergoing UCL surgery, Darnold will serve as the No. 2 in OTAs and training camp over the summer. When Purdy returns (likely around Week 1 of the regular season), Darnold will slide into the tertiary role for the 49ers.
“The best available that can fit into the structure of our team and the salary cap and all that, but the best one available,” head coach Kyle Shanahan stated about the QB situation in January.
Now having their three QBs for 2023, San Francisco can focus on other areas of need for the remainder of the offseason.
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