We’ve finished a week off and it’s time to check with the rest of NFC West to see what’s going on with Arizona Cardinals division rivals. What’s new in the San Francisco 49ers?
Here are some stories from last week, including a couple with familiar faces.
49ers bring back QB Josh Rosen, RB Austin Walter
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Rosen, the Cardinals’ choice for the first round in 2018, will be back at NFC West in 2021. He will return to the 49ers. The 49ers released him from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers training team in the last two weeks of the year, when CJ Beathard was the only healthy defender they had. Since he was chosen for number 10 in the overall standings, Rosen has been with the Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, Buccaneers and now 49ers.
The 49ers also rehired running back Austin Walter, who returned the kicks before landing on the injured reserve.
Former DC Cardinals James Bettcher among new 49ers coaches
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The 49ers had to make some changes to their coaching staff, as defensive coordinator Robert Saleh was hired to coach the New York Jets. Other assistants left. The 49ers announced 10 additions to their coaching staff last week. Includes Bettcher, who was the defensive coordinator of the 2015-2017 Cardinals. He is a senior defensive assistant who will work with the new defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans.
3 49ers in the top 101 of the PFF
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The Cardinals placed three players in the 101 best Pro Football Focus players for the 2020 season. Tackle DJ Humphries was surprisingly the highest ranked player on the team. The 49ers also had three players on the list, led by their left tackle, Trent Williams. He was in 11th place, while linebacker Fred Warner was in 30th place and cornerback Jason Verrett in 98th place.
Odds favor Jimmy Garoppolo’s return to 49ers
The 49ers are believed to be trying to catch up as a defender, possibly bypassing Jimmy Garoppolo, who played just one full season for the 49ers. That season was good enough to make it to the Super Bowl, but San Francisco could be part of the quarterback carousel this off-season. However, the odds suggest that it is unlikely. Vegas’ chances are overwhelmingly in favor of his return and starting for the 49ers in 2021.
Falcons C free agent Alex Mack intrigued by 49ers
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The free agency is still a month away, but speculation has started. 49ers can look to add talent to the offensive line and a very good center will be available. Atlanta Falcons center Alex Mack will be a free agent and knows 49ers coach Kyler Shanahan well, since Shanahan was the CO for the Falcons before he reached the Niners. Mack said publicly that San Francisco could be an attractive place for him to play in 2021. Hear the latest news from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe to podcasts from Apple or Spotify. Last show:
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