Report: 49ers set to bring back Rosen for 2021

The San Francisco 49ers are bringing back quarterback Josh Rosen for the 2021 season, a source told Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

The Arizona Cardinals' 2018 first-round pick, who spent most of this year on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' practice squad, is an exclusive rights free agent. The 49ers will reportedly tender Rosen an offer soon.

Rosen didn't appear for the NFC West club last season, but he acted as C.J. Beathard's backup for the final two games of the season after Nick Mullens suffered a season-ending elbow injury.

Beathard is an unrestricted free agent and Mullens is a restricted free agent, so San Francisco is insuring itself against the possibility of losing both of Jimmy Garoppolo's primary backups by bringing Rosen back.

Despite rumors suggesting the 49ers could be ready to part ways with Garoppolo, head coach Kyle Shanahan believes the veteran - who missed the last nine games of 2020 due to an ankle injury - will be the team's starter next season.