The 49ers announced Tuesday that they have signed veteran quarterback Josh Johnson for the remainder of the season.
Barring another move – cough, Baker Mayfield, cough – Johnson figures to slot in as the No. 2 quarterback behind Brock Purdy after Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a season-ending foot injury on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.
Johnson, 36, is an Oakland native who has some ties with the 49ers organization, as he spent the franchise during the 2012, 2014, 2020 and 2021 seasons. Johnson has never appeared in a regular season game with the Niners, but has some familiarity with coach Kyle Shanhan’s system. The move was expected, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Sunday that the 49ers would sign Johnson off the Denver Broncos’ practice squad.
At this point, the 49ers’ postseason hopes lie with Purdy, who was the last player picked in 2022 NFL Draft. The 22-year-old went 25-of-37 for 210 yards, two touchdowns and a pick after Garoppolo was lost on the 49ers’ opening drive Sunday. He led the Niners to a 33-17 victory over the Dolphins.
Johnson last appeared in a regular season game for the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16 last year, when he went 28-of-40 for 304 yards, two touchdowns and a pick as an injury replacement. Johnson is also cousins with Marshawn Lynch, as they both attended Oakland Tech high school.
The 49ers made the move a day after the Panthers released Mayfield and made him a free agent. Jacob Eason remains on the 49ers practice squad.
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