LynchhighonhisNo. 2 QB
GM says 49ers, other teams will be suitors for free-agent Mullens
General manager John Lynch isn’t complaining about the 49ers’ quarterback state. Whywould he? Don’t yourecallwhere things stood three years ago, when BrianHoyer presidedoverawinless start before ceding to C.J. Beathard?
Lynch concurswith Kyle Shanahan’s statement Wednesday that the 49ers remain “Jimmy’s team,” noting that Jimmy Garoppolo has
“earned that right” by virtue of his 22-6 career record as a starter.
An ankle injury is expected to sideline Garoppolo a second straight game, however, and that would grant NickMullens an encore start Sunday night against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Mullens secured the 49ers’ Week 2 rout of the New York Jets after Garoppolo exited at halftime, then followed with a 343yard, chain-moving showcase in
“His brain functions reallyquick. He can process information inahurry.”
– John Lynch, 49ers’ general manager, on backup QB Nick Mullens.
last Sunday’s 39-6 drubbing of the New York Giants.
“He plays at a high level. His brain functions really quick. He can process information in a hurry,” Lynch said Friday on KNBR 680AM. “( Mullens) doesn’t have the arm talent Jimmy has, but he has enough, and we’ve seen guys in this league, when you process quickly, that can overcome that.
“He’s doing a great job of really making a name for himself. Gosh, if you saw the way this kid works day in and day out, it’s really an inspiration to his teammates and that’s why there’s so much love for him.”
Mullens is slated to become a restricted free agent after this season, and the 49ers are aware his stock is climbing. To retain his rights, Mullens’ one-year tender could be of the firstround variety ($ 5.1 million in 2020, for example) or second-round designation ($3.3 million in 2020), rather than get no pick in return if they offer an original-round tender since he came undrafted in 2017.
“Nick, if he keeps playing like that, he’ll make things toughon a lot of people, and he’ll be coveted. We certainly covet him,” Lynch added.
What Lynch specifically loves about Mullens is the confidence, timing and ambitious throws against the
Giants.
“I just loved the way, as Kyle says, of getting back and not being afraid to just let it rip,” Lynch added. “Nick did that consistently. Throwing it on time, getting the ball down field.”
Meanwhile, the 49ers pushed through the official paperwork Saturday and activated wide receiver Deebo Samuel off injured reserve, ending a three-game hiatus and clearing the way for his season debut Sunday night.
Defensive end Dee Ford’s lingering back injury and tight end Jordan Reed’s week- old knee sprain sent them onto the injured reserve list, and the 49ers are hoping to recall both later this season.
Called up again the practice squad were running back JaMycal Hasty, linebacker Joe Walker and nickel back Jamar Taylor.
The 49ers will offer Mullens new targets this time around, with George Kittle and Samuel suiting up for the Eagles.
”It adds some excitement, that I can get the ball in those guys’ hands,” Mullens said. “George and Deebo bring great energy, they’re leaders and that help the entire offense.
“They’re very fast, physical, great mindsets and, so, we’re pumped to have them out there.”