It’s been a rough decade for Niners fans. The San Francisco 49ers have not made it to the playoffs since 2002, back when Jeff Garcia was quarterback. It seems like every year the Niners will finally make a run for the playoffs, but the Niners have not managed to pull it together. The 2010 Seattle Seahawks were the first team in NFL history to make it to the playoffs with a losing record. With that being said, if the 49ers can post a winning record in 2011, they have a shot at making the playoffs.
The Niners made the right choice by firing head coach Mike Singletary after being eliminated in 2010, but the next key position that needs to be filled is quarterback. Both Troy Smith and Alex Smith are not the answers at the quarterback position, the best choice is to trade for a veteran or franchise quarterback. Let’s take a look at the 3 best quarterbacks the Niners should consider. As always, Superbowl Odds are provided by BetUS.
Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb is currently under contract with the Washington Redskins, but after his down year last season, there is a good chance the Redskins will release him to save money in the 2011 season. If he’s not released, the Niners will probably have to give up a fourth or fifth round pick, which is well worth it.
Some say McNabb has lost his step, but if he’s supported with a strong offensive cast, he could thrive in the familiar West Coast offense that Jim Harbaugh be implementing this off-season. Even the Niners players are excited to add Donovan McNabb to the roster. In an interview on the T.Ocho Show, tight end Vernon Davis says “Oh man – I’d love to catch some passes from Donovan McNabb.”
Kevin Kolb
Kevin Kolb of the Philadelphia Eagles has been a popular candidate for the Niners throughout this season. Just like McNabb, Kevin Kolb is familiar with the West Coast offense that will be established in the off season. At 26 years old, Kolb can be the franchise quarterback the Niners have been looking for.
Kevin Kolb’s track record in the NFL has been very limited, playing in the shadows of Michael Vick during the 2010 season. The lack of experience, and high price tag make this somewhat of a gamble for the Niners. It is rumored that the Eagles will ask for two first round picks in exchange for Kolb, which is absurb for a player that has proved nothing in the NFL.
Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton of the Denver Broncos is a cheaper alternative to Kevin Kolb. Orton is couple years older than Kolb at 28, with much more NFL experience, and a strong skill set. Although the Denver Broncos record suffered in 2010, winning only 3 of 13 games when Orton was the quarterback. Orton’s numbers were strong throwing for over 3,600 yards and 20 touchdowns in just 13 games, posting a career-high 87.5 passer rating. Orton is a solid pocket passer, similar to Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, and not a huge threat on the run. This matches up perfectly with the West Coast offense that will be ready for the Niners 2011 season.
The biggest concern for the Niners is that Orton’s big numbers don’t translate to wins. Yes, he put up big numbers in the 2010 season, but his record as quarterback was 3-10. Also, rumors have said the Broncos are asking for a second-round pick in exchange for Orton, this is a high price tag for a Orton.
Whether the Niners pick up McNabb as a temporary solution, or Kolb as a franchise Quarterback, they need to make a move quick. McNabb is my #1 choice to take the Niners to the playoffs, and hopefully the Super Bowl in 2011.
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