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San Francisco 49ers should call Drew Brees or Philip Rivers out of retirement

By Lou Scataglia

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 30: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers reacts in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game at SoFi Stadium on January 30, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 30: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers reacts in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game at SoFi Stadium on January 30, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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On Sunday in their win versus the Dolphins, the 49ers lost quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo for the rest of the season yet again.  This might be a wild take, but I think it makes some sense.  Yet again, San Fran is dealing with a slew of injuries.  Perhaps something with their training schedule or strength and conditioning training is off because they always seem to be hurt.

After the game, Kyle Shanahan informed the media that Jimmy Garoppolo, who was having the best statistical year of his career, would be missing the rest of the season as his injured foot requires surgery.  This is unfortunate news for a team that was beginning to put the rest of the league on notice.

They were able to win, though, bringing their record to 8-4.  However, they have nothing wrapped up, as the Seattle Seahawks are 7-5 and only one game behind them.  The 49ers look poised to start Brock Purdy for the rest of the season.

Purdy was the Mr. Irrelevant selection in the 2022 NFL Draft and is likely someone who will bounce around many teams during a short NFL career.  For obvious reasons, starting Purdy is something the team needs to avoid.

With the trade deadline long gone and no other free agent QB options making the team better, the Niners should call up two retired quarterbacks to see if either is interested in a brief comeback, and I am specifically talking about Drew Brees or Philip Rivers.

Both are Hall of Fame quarterbacks who enjoyed lengthy careers in the NFL.  They each retired at the end of the 2020 season and had very solid performances in their last go in the NFL.  Philip Rivers finished his career with the Indianapolis Colts, passing for 24 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and earning a 97.0 passer rating and a playoff berth.

Drew Brees, in his final season, threw for 24 touchdowns, six interceptions, and earned a passer rating of 106.4 in 12 starts.  Both QBs are extremely diminished physically at this point, but given the elite defense the 49ers have and the great offensive coaching and playmakers, both should entertain the idea of coming back if called.

You would also need to consider that Demeco Ryans, the 49ers’ defensive coordinator, is likely getting a head coaching job this cycle, so the elite defense might not be as elite next year if he leaves.  This is the time for Kyle Shanahan to try and maximize what he has in front of him.

There is no guarantee that either Brees or Rivers would say yes, and it’s no guarantee that they would be able to perform at a competent level, but why not give it a chance?  Both of them are Hall of Famers, so taking a risk like this might be worth it.