The 49ers Sign Quarterback Brandon Allen

Here comes a fourth quarterback.

The 49ers just signed veteran Brandon Allen, according to the NFL Network. And now they surely will look to trade Trey Lance, right?

Get real.

Allen is here to be the third-string quarterback in practice until Brock Purdy returns from elbow surgery, whenever that happens. Could be during training camp or later. But when Purdy returns, Allen probably will get the boot. Cold business.

The 49ers need Allen right now because every team needs three quarterbacks to get through an offseason practice. The top two quarterbacks warm up by throwing passes to the wide receivers and tight ends. One quarterback has to warm up with the running backs and hand them the ball. That's the third-string quarterback's job.

While Lance and Sam Darnold throw passes to Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle and Deebo Samuel, Allen will hand off to Christian McCaffrey, Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason. And then for a few minutes, the 49ers will let Allen throw check downs and swing passes to the running backs so he can really stretch out his arm.

But when it's time for team drills and 11 on 11 scrimmages, Allen will play with the third-string offense, which barely plays, and he'll throw hardly any passes.

Think of Allen as the 49ers' new Josh Johnson. Meaning Allen is the oldest player in the quarterback room, he's smart and attentive in the meetings, he does whatever he's told on the practice field, and hopefully he never ever ever has to play in an actual game. Allen's career record is 2-7, and he's 30. He's not getting better.

Here's to the Brandon Allen Era in Santa Clara. Enjoy it. He won't be here for long.