The San Francisco 49ers have carved out a unique niche in the NFL by transforming quarterbacks once considered busts or castoffs into solid contributors. With names like Mac Jones and Sam Darnold showing progress under Kyle Shanahan's guidance, the 49ers have become a beacon of hope for quarterbacks seeking a fresh start.
This offseason could see the 49ers trading Jones, which means they might be in the market for a new project QB. However, the options aren't exactly plentiful. As noted by Vic Tafur, the pool of potential candidates is thin, with names like Anthony Richardson, Zach Wilson, and Justin Fields leading the list.
Shanahan has a proven track record of revitalizing quarterbacks, with Darnold's resurgence standing out as a recent success story. Yet, the current crop of available quarterbacks presents a challenge.
Justin Fields, coming off a tough season with the New York Jets, and Zach Wilson, who struggled with both the Jets and later stints with the Broncos and Dolphins, are back in the mix. Both have faced significant hurdles in their careers, making them uncertain prospects.
Anthony Richardson, however, offers an intriguing possibility. Despite dealing with injuries and accuracy issues during his time with the Colts, his potential is undeniable. As the highest upside option, acquiring Richardson would require a trade, given he's still on his rookie contract.
Should the 49ers decide to move on from Jones, they'll need to find a new project quarterback. The task won't be easy, but with Shanahan's expertise, it's a challenge he's likely ready to tackle.