The San Francisco 49ers continue to scour the league in a bid to acquire a capable playmaker ahead of the 2021 NFL season. Their latest target was rumored to be Carolina Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater who just concluded his first season with the team back in 2020.

Via Joseph Person of The Athletic:

“San Francisco is among the teams that have called Carolina to gauge the Panthers’ interest in potentially trading Bridgewater, according to league sources. San Francisco general manager John Lynch indicated last week the 49ers would like to find a solid backup as insurance for oft-injured starter Jimmy Garoppolo.”

After a trip to Super Bowl LIV, the 49ers didn't get to have much luck as most of their key players suffered major injuries in the early stages of their 2020 campaign. One of them is starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo who nursed two high ankle sprains throughout the season.

His condition led him to see action in only six games as he tallied 1,096 passing yards on 94 completions to go with seven touchdowns. His regular absence on the field caused the 49ers to bank on the services of backup gunslingers Nick Mullens and C.J. Beathard.

Their production under center wasn't enough as the team settled with a 6-10 record to finish at the bottom of the NFC West. After having a disappointing season, the entire 49ers unit would want to get back on their feet and return to contending once again.

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On the other hand, Bridgewater wasn't particularly impressive in his new role as the new QB1 of the Panthers. However, he would definitely be a strong second-unit playmaker as he finished the season with 3,733 yards on 340 completions to go with 15 touchdowns in 15 appearances.

The Louisville product also showed that he can thrive in an off-the-bench role as seen from his previous stint with the New Orleans Saints where he played behind Drew Brees. Acquiring a backup quarterback who is capable of taking over the starting position when needed will certainly help the 49ers in their bid for a comeback season in 2021.