SANTA CLARA – The 49ers kicked off the free-agency period Friday by pursuing the most prominent quarterback in the 2002 NFL draft.

David Carr, the No. 1 overall selection that year, was scheduled to fly into the Bay Area on Friday night and meet with team officials today. For the last two seasons, Carr, a Bakersfield native who played collegiately at Fresno State, has been a backup to New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, the first draft pick in 2004.

If Carr lands with the 49ers, he'll likely be the top backup behind 2005's top pick, Alex Smith.

Coach Mike Singletary gave Smith a vote of confidence at last week's combine. "I feel very good about saying that Alex Smith is our starter going into next season," he said.

But Singletary also said he believes in having competition at every position.

Although Carr struggled as a starting quarterback early in his career, he has plenty of experience and considerable physical skills.

Carr's addition likely would be bad news for Shaun Hill. A backup for seven seasons, Hill got a chance to start in 2009. He started out 3-1 and would have been 4-0 if not for Brett Favre's last-second touchdown pass in Minnesota.

But the 49ers were blown out at home two weeks later against Atlanta and got off to a terrible start the next game against Houston.

Fair or not, there was a sense among 49ers officials that the offense was limited with Hill in charge. At halftime of the Houston game, Singletary benched Hill for Smith, and Smith started the rest of the season.

Some of the 49ers' own free agents also made visits Friday. Wide receiver Arnaz Battle, who spent seven years with the 49ers, was scheduled to meet with the Steelers and also had interest from the Seahawks and Vikings, according to a league source.

Offensive tackle Tony Pashos, meanwhile, planned to meet with the Redskins and Broncos. Former 49ers offensive line coach Chris Foerster, who was instrumental in bringing Pashos to San Francisco last season, is now with the Redskins.

Carr, meanwhile, bears a lot of similarities to Smith.

Carr, 30, was the first draft pick for the expansion Texans in 2002. Although Houston won its first game that season, Carr had dubious talent around him and no protection in front of him. He was sacked 76 times that season, a record for an NFL quarterback.

In 2005, Carr and the Texans finished with only two wins and lost the season finale to Smith and the 49ers in San Francisco. After one more disappointing season in Houston, he was released.

He was signed by the Panthers in 2007 to be Jake Delhomme's backup. His last start came on Nov. 25, 2007, a 31-6 loss to the Saints.

Carr is scheduled to have a physical this morning and then will meet with Singletary and general manager Scot McCloughan.

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