Seahawks sign ex-49ers QB Collinsworth for up to $1.425M

A former San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback has signed with an NFC rival after his release last month, securing a contract worth up to $1.425 million for the season.

The move comes as teams shore up depth ahead of the preseason, with the NFC West in particular seeing shifts after the 49ers' decision to cut the player on July 29. The team needed cap space to re-sign key contributors, including a veteran defensive end, and made room by releasing the quarterback, who had spent two seasons in San Francisco as a practice-squad quarterback before earning a roster spot. His departure left the 49ers with just two quarterbacks on the active roster, forcing them to address the position before Week 1.

The new team has not been officially named, but league sources told Yahoo Sports the player is joining the Seattle Seahawks, who are carrying three quarterbacks after trading for veteran backup Jacob Eason. Seattle’s starter, Geno Smith, has missed parts of the last two seasons with injuries, and Eason himself has not played in a regular-season game since 2021. The Seahawks are expected to carry four QBs into camp but must trim the roster to 53 by the regular season. The new deal includes $425,000 guaranteed and $1 million in incentives tied to playing time, according to the report.

The signing reflects a wider trend this offseason: teams are keeping veteran backups to protect against injury, especially in divisions where division rivals have strong starting QBs. The NFC West features the 49ers, Seahawks, Rams, and Cardinals, all of which have invested heavily in their quarterback positions. For the Seahawks, adding experience behind Smith is critical after a 9-8 campaign last year and a history of offensive struggles under center. The player’s arrival could pressure Eason for the backup role or even push the team to carry him as insurance. The move also underscores how quickly marginal players can find new homes in the NFL’s depth-chasing ecosystem.