REPORT: 49ers Add QB Depth, Sign Christian Ponder To 1-Year Deal
After suffering a torn ACL to it's No. 3 quarterback, Thad Lewis, in the preseason opener, the San Francisco 49ers have added Christian Ponder to the depth chart.
Jocinda Anderson of ESPN tweeted out Tuesday the 49ers had signed the four-year veteran to a one-year deal.
Ponder, 28, was drafted out of Florida State with the 12th overall pick by the Minnesota Vikings. His career took a turn after four unsuccessful season in Minnesota, going on to sign with the Oakland Raiders before the 2015-16 season.
The Raiders then cut Ponder as their backup, choosing Matt McGloin instead. Since then, Ponder signed with the Denver Broncos in November 2015, only to promptly cut him in December without playing a snap.
Ponder has a career 14-21-1 record along with a 59.8 completion percentage and 6,658 passing yards. His 38 passing touchdowns and 36 interceptions make up a poor ratio in the NFL, along with his replacement-level 75.9 QB rating.
Despite his poor throwing numbers, Ponder does have the ability to use his legs, much like Blaine Gabbert and Colin Kaepernick. He has rushed 639 yards on 126 carries with seven touchdowns in his career.
With the starting spot in limbo in San Francisco, Ponder will have a shot under Chip Kelly's offense. Assuming he can play like he did in 2012 (Vikings went 10-6), the 49ers may be in a better position that they think.