The San Francisco 49ers are certainly hoping that quarterback Colin Kaepernick stays healthy for the season because the quarterbacks backing him up leave a lot to be desired. The 49ers were shut out against the Denver Broncos in their second preseason game and much of the finger pointing is falling on the backups who failed to move the ball against the Broncos' defensive depth. Could the team aim to make a trade or two before the season begins to upgrade the spot?
The 49ers acquired Blaine Gabbert this offseason in hopes that the former first-round draft pick could be a quality backup for Kaepernick after he failed at being a starter for the Jacksonville Jaguars. After the starters played just two series in Sunday's game, Gabbert stepped in and went 8-for-14 for 40 yards and an interception. That was actually an improvement from the first game where he went 3-for-11 for 20 yards and an interception. That was certainly not the production the 49ers were hoping to get and things only got worse.
Third-string quarterback Josh Johnson went just 2-for-3 for nine yards while No. 4 quarterback McLeod Bethel-thompson was 6-for8 for 79 yards and an interception. This is simply not going to cut it for the season. After giving up a sixth-round draft pick to get Gabbert, the 48ers are not reaping the rewards at the No. 2 spot. According to Daniel Jeremiah of the NFL Network, the 49ers could target quarterback Christian Ponder to help out.
Ponder is currently seeking a trade from the Minnesota Vikings after it became clear he would never see the field much less move up to No. 2 on the depth chart. Ponder has said he would not turn down a trade and just wants to be put in the position to have a chance to play. While he will not get that in San Francisco, he could at least be the main backup. Ponder is a big upgrade from Gabbert and would be quality depth for the 49ers.
Mark Sanchez could also be an option. Currently with the Philadelphia Eagles, CSNPhilly.com is reporting that the Eagles are looking at possible deals considering how well Matt Barkley is playing. A trade of Sanchez is not necessarily due to lack of talent, but more so his stock and value rising after two strong games. While they are not actively calling teams about a deal, Philadelphia is prepared to make a move if something presents itself.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh is standing behind the teams quarterbacks right now despite their struggles so far in the preseason. The coach is stressing that he is happy with the depth and does not see it changing in the near future.