San Francisco 49ers

Christian Ponder: 49ers Starting Quarterback

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Christian Ponder could begin the 2016 NFL season as the San Francisco 49ers, according to 49ers beat writer Matt Barrows. With few sure things in the draft and the struggles of Blaine Gabbert and Colin Kaepernick, this seems to be an increasing possibility.

Christian Ponder, like Blaine Gabbert, was once a first-round draft pick hailed as a savior at quarterback. Both experienced rejection from their fans and first franchises. Both are now members of the San Francisco 49ers – a team that needs quarterback help as much as any in the NFL.

Yet while Gabbert lost his starting job already – to another unimpressive quarterback in Colin Kaepernick, Ponder appears to be working his way into a 2017 roster spot.

Gabbert is in the final year of his contract, and it appears unlikely that the 49ers will retain a failed starter. Kaepernick has re-worked his contract to include a player-option after the season. Unless he somehow resurrects his 2013 self in the next few weeks, do not be surprised if he takes it.

That would leave the 49ers with Christian Ponder. Presumably they would draft a quarterback – hopefully before the seventh round. But with a weak quarterback draft class, whomever the 49ers draft will likely take some time to develop.

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Matt Barrows agrees:

“(Ponder) may end up getting some snaps at the end of the season, and if he does well, may end up being the guy who’s your placeholder if you decide to draft a rookie in the 2017 draft.”

Ponder is not a long-term answer, but he could be the best option to begin next fall.

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