The San Francisco 49ers announced that they have signed free agent QB David Carr to a two-year deal. The team has also agreed to terms with the Detroit Lions on a trade that would send them QB Shaun Hill. Pending Hill passing a physical in Detroit, the 49ers would receive an undisclosed 2011 draft pick.
"We are very happy to add David to our roster," said general manager Scot McCloughan. "We added a player at a position of need and of huge importance to us. David provides depth at the quarterback position and helps make us stronger. He's a great young man."
Carr (6-3, 216) enters his ninth NFL season after originally being drafted with the first overall pick by the Houston Texas in the 2002 NFL Draft. Carr has played in 91 career games (79 starts) and has completed 1,346 of 2,251 pass attempts for 14,366 yards and 65 touchdowns.
After spending five years in Houston, Carr signed with the Carolina Panthers prior to the 2007 season. He was released following the season and later signed with the New York Giants in March of 2008. He served as the backup to starting QB Eli Manning.
A 30-year old native of Bakersfield, CA, Carr starred collegiately at Fresno State where he won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award during his senior season. Carr played in 37 games, starting the final 26 contests of his college career, completing 587 of 934 passes (62.8 percent) for 7,849 yards and 70 touchdowns. As a senior in 2001, he was named first-team All-WAC and WAC Offensive Player of the Year.
After spending the first four seasons of his NFL career in Minnesota, Hill joined the 49ers as an unrestricted free agent in 2006. He served as the team's third quarterback that season, and went on to appear in 18 games, starting 16, over the next three years. As a 49er, Hill completed 322 of 522 attempts for 3,490 yards, 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions passing.
"Shaun is the ultimate competitor," said head coach Mike Singletary. "He gave everything he had to his teammates, coaches and fans. I admire how Shaun took advantage of his opportunities and got the most out of his abilities. I wish him nothing but the best as he starts a new chapter in Detroit."
"Shaun is a consummate pro," said general manager Scot McCloughan. "The 49ers organization is extremely grateful for his service and leadership over the past four seasons. We thank Shaun for his effort and wish him success in the future."
