Although the San Francisco 49ers had an apparent need at quarterback, they did not make the move that many expected them to.
After the foot injury to Jimmy Garoppolo, the 49ers decided that they didn’t want to put a waiver claim in for Baker Mayfield.
For what it’s worth, the 49ers did not put in a waiver claim for QB Baker Mayfield, who wound up being claimed by the Rams, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 6, 2022
Mayfield was released by the Carolina Panthers and claimed by the Los Angeles Rams just a day later.
It turns out, that not only did the 49ers not put in a claim for Mayfield, but there was only one team (the Rams) that put in a claim for him.
Where Do The 49ers Currently Stand?
The 49ers will be rolling into their Week 14 matchup with the Tampa Buccaneers with Brock Purdy at quarterback, and NFL journeyman Josh Johnson as his backup.
The injury to Garoppolo caused the 49ers to sign Johnson off of the Denver Broncos practice squad.
With this signing, Johnson is appearing on the 49ers for the fourth time in his career.
Johnson has been on 14 different NFL rosters, meaning that he has experience with nearly half of the league’s teams.
Between his NFL stints, Johnson has also been a part of the United Football League, Alliance of American Football, and the XFL.
If Purdy is unable to play or is ultimately benched, Johnson will have yet another opportunity to display his skills in the NFL.
By not placing a claim on Mayfield, the 49ers have placed their confidence in Purdy and Johnson to lead them to the playoffs.
NEXT: The 49ers Defense Is On A New Level In 2022