Lions acquire QB Hill from 49ers
3/15/2010SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers have signed free agent quarterback David Carr to a two-year deal and agreed to terms with Detroit on a trade that would send backup quarterback Shaun Hill to the Lions for a 2011 draft pick.
General manager Scot McCloughan said Monday that Carr will provide depth at quarterback. “We added a player at a position of need and of huge importance to us,” McCloughan said in a statement.
Carr, an eight-year NFL veteran, was drafted No. 1 overall by the Houston Texans in 2002. He spent the past two seasons as a backup to Eli Manning with the New York Giants.
Carr, who last started a game in 2007 for the Carolina Panthers, has completed 1,346 passes for 14,366 yards and 65 touchdowns in his career.
49ers coach Mike Singletary has repeatedly said 2005 No. 1 pick Alex Smith is the starter, but didn't rule out signing an experienced quarterback who could push Smith and challenge for playing time.
Smith took over for Hill at halftime Oct. 25 at Houston and started the rest of the way for San Francisco, which finished 8-8 and ended a franchise-worst stretch of six straight losing seasons.
The 49ers would receive an undisclosed 2011 draft pick in return for Hill.