GLENDALE, Ariz. (TSX / STATS) — Blaine Gabbert is changing addresses in the NFC West, moving from the San Francisco 49ers to the Arizona Cardinals.
The 27-year-old quarterback is expected to sign a one-year contract on Thursday with the Cardinals after spending the past three seasons with the 49ers.
A former No. 10 overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2011, Gabbert started 13 games during his stay in San Francisco. He completed 56.9 percent of his passes for 15 touchdowns, 13 interceptions and 2,958 yards but won just four games.
Gabbert began last season as the 49ers’ starter but was benched in favor of Colin Kaepernick. Before landing with the 49ers, he spent three seasons with the Jaguars and between the two teams has thrown for 7,351 yards, 38 touchdowns and 37 interceptions while completing 56 percent of his passes.
Last year, Gabbert made one start against the Cardinals and was 18 of 31 for 162 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in a 33-21 loss.
The Cardinals had hoped to take Mitchell Trubinsky, Patrick Mahomes or Deshaun Watson with the No. 13 overall pick in the Draft last month, but all three were gone before their turn came around.
Gabbert reportedly worked out for the Cardinals last week. He likely will compete with veterans Drew Stanton and Zac Dysert and undrafted Trevor Knight for the backup job behind starter Carson Palmer.
Photo credit – Paul Kitagaki Jr. / Sacramento Bee / Santa Clara, CA