
Instead of dipping into the free-agent market for a quarterback, the 49ers simply promoted Nick Mullens from the practice squad Wednesday, with Jimmy Garoppolo landing on season-ending injured reserve.
Along with the move, coach Kyle Shanahan told the media that the 49ers don't plan on trading for a quarterback right now. That won't stop speculation, though, and most of it is coming out of Philadelphia.
Prior to Shanahan's announcement Wednesday, Eliot Shorr-Parks of 94WIPS in Philly wrote Sunday that a trade between the Eagles and 49ers centered around quarterback Nick Foles would make sense for both sides.
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“Making a deal for Foles would not prevent the 49ers from remaining committed to Garoppolo, as Foles is a free agent at the end of the season,” Shorr-Parks wrote. “They could re-sign Foles if they wanted, or take advantage of the mutual option in the contract. Although Garoppolo will likely be ready for Week 1 of the 2019 season, Foles would be a valuable backup for the 49ers throughout the offseason and into the regular season.”
The 49ers currently have Mullens and now-starter C.J. Beathard under contract. Foles would bring much more experience than the two, not to mention a Super Bowl pedigree.
When Foles took over for injured Eagles starter Carson Wentz last season for the final two regular-season games, he was handed a roster full of Super Bowl talent. The 49ers simply are in a much different situation. They now have lost their top two offensive talents to torn ACL injuries this year in Garoppolo and running back Jerick McKinnon, and they're 1-2.
While Shanahan insisted he doesn't plan on making a trade for a quarterback, things always can change. And the chatter will continue.
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For now, however, don't expect a Foles 49ers jersey anytime soon.
READ MORE ABOUT FOLES SPECULATION AT NBCSportsPhiladelphia.com