NFL training camps are getting started across the country, which means we are one step closer to Week 1 of the regular season. During this time, some players will get cut before the roster deadline, while others will get signed from free agency. If you’re a defensive or offensive lineman, or wide receiver or cornerback, you have a chance to get picked up.
Meanwhile, if you are a free-agent quarterback, the potential job opportunities are few and far between, as most teams have their quarterbacks' room set for the summer. For example, the San Francisco 49ers have four QBs on their training camp roster, and won’t add anyone else.
Speaking of the 49ers and QBs, a former San Francisco signal caller recently worked out for an AFC team after not seeing much action in free agency.
Former 49ers QB C.J. Beathard Picks Up Workout From Cincinnati Bengals
Howard Balzer of USA TODAY’s CardsWire reported on Sunday that former 49ers signal-caller C.J. Beathard was among the QBs that worked out for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Bengals signed QB Desmond Ridder and also had tryouts from C.J. Beathard and Tyler Huntley
— Howard Balzer (@HBalzer721) July 21, 2025
Beathard didn’t get signed after the workout, as the Bengals signed former Atlanta Falcons QB Desmond Ridder. The 31-year-old quarterback most recently spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Miami Dolphins.
Beathard spent three-plus years with the Jaguars after beginning his pro football career with the 49ers, who took him in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. The veteran quarterback played in 13 games with the Jags, making one start in 2023.
Jacksonville waived the veteran QB at the end of the preseason last summer due to injury and was signed by the Dolphins in late October. However, Beathard didn’t spend much time with the Dolphins, as the Jags picked him up at the beginning of November off Miami’s taxi squad.
With Trevor Lawrence banged up, the Jaguars needed another quarterback behind Mac Jones, who is now the backup in San Francisco. For his career, Beathard is a 60.4 percent passer, with 3,886 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions on his resume.
He’s not one of the better backup quarterback options now in the league, but as an emergency QB3 option, Beathard has some value due to his experience. It will be interesting to see if this workout with the Bengals will get the ball rolling for the ex-49ers quarterback.