With David Carr poised to sign his contract, the 49ers have given Shaun Hill permission to shop himself to other teams, a source confirmed. Because it's clear that Hill is the odd man out in the 49ers quarterback rotation, other teams likely will be reluctant to give up anything - draft picks, players - when they know that Hill, 10-6 as a 49ers starter, likely will be released. The concern for Hill is that while he remains a member of the 49ers, other teams are filling out their rosters.
The teams that seem like the most likely fits for Hill include:
Chicago: Both offensive coordinator Mike Martz and offensive line coach Mike Tice have worked with Hill in the past. Tice is especially fond of him, telling The Bee in September: "The biggest thing that pops out about Shaun is that he's very bright. He understands football. He understands where to go with the football, and he makes quick decisions. The second thing is that he's a better athlete than people think he is."
Hill also is familiar to Martz, who ran the 49ers' offense in 2008. Martz was not impressed with Hill in the 2008 offseason as J.T. O'Sullivan leapfrogged him to become the starter that season. Hill, however, ended up being the better quarterback that year and salvaged the season for the 49ers. Hill obviously knows Martz's dense and complicated offense, something no other quarterback on the Bears roster can claim. Still, Martz did not seem entirely sold on Hill while on NFL Network in November. "I think that Shaun Hill is a winner," Martz said. "But I think that he has some limitations in terms of getting the ball down the field. You love him - he's everything you want in the locker room as far as leadership qualities."
Detroit: Offensive coordinator Scott Linehan had the same job when Hill was a backup for the Vikings. Linehan also was the Rams head coach in 2008 when Hill and the 49ers swept St. Louis. Hill threw two touchdowns, ran for another and had a 142.3 passer rating in the first of those games, the highest rating of any game he's started.
Cleveland: Hill has no ties here, but GM Scot McCloughan used to work with Mike Holmgren. If a trade were to occur, the 49ers would like to make it with a team they hardly ever play. Cleveland also is switching to a West Coast offense, which seemingly would fit Hill's strengths. The Browns, however, appear to be heavily courting former Panthers QB Jake Delhomme.
Arizona and Seattle: Both teams are seeking quarterbacks. Seattle wants someone to back up Matt Hasselbeck; The Cardinals want to push Matt Leinart. Hill has beaten both of these teams. An intra-division trade is highly doubtful, but NFC West foes could be especially interested if Hill is released. I'm guessing Hill would relish the opportunity to play his former team twice a year.
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Long-time Houston Texans guard Chester Pitts is scheduled to visit the 49ers on Thursday, according to his agent. Pitts, 30, has been a reliable and versatile lineman for the Texans, starting all 16 games in his first seven seasons. (He was a rookie in 2002, the same as David Carr).
Pitts, however, suffered a knee injury in Week 2 last season and had microfracture surgery in September. Pitts' physical, of course, will be of utmost importance. He's been saying that he will be at full speed before training camp begins. The 49ers gambled and lost on an injured veteran lineman last year -- Marvel Smith -- and it will be interesting to see how they value Pitts. Before Pitts comes to San Francisco, he is scheduled to visit the Lions. The Bengals, Dolphins and Seahawks also have shown interest. The Texans also would like to retain the eight-year veteran.
-- Matt Barrows
