The San Francisco 49ers and Jim Harbaugh have never had an issue with position battles in camp. Not only do they tend to the get the most out of players, but it also provides even more motivation for the guys in the offseason when it's easy to sit around and relax. Despite recently re-signing starting quarterback Alex Smith, the 49ers added yet another quarterback on Thursday evening: Josh Johnson.
Johnson, a fifth round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2009, has started just five games while primarily backing up Josh Freeman. The 25-year-old thrived at San Diego University under head coach Jim Harbaugh, and the front office must feel like there is enough potential left in Johnson to hand him a two-year deal. Maybe his former coach is all he needs to become a quality starting quarterback once again.
"Josh is a promising young player that has experience in our offensive system," said 49ers General Manager Trent Baalke. "He is a skilled athlete with good arm talent. Josh has shown promise in limited action, both as a back-up and starter at the NFL level. We are pleased to add him to our team."
It is unclear just how Johnson will fit in with San Francisco. This now gives the team four legitimate quarterbacks -- Smith, Johnson, Colin Kaepernick and Scott Tolzien -- and does not include any other QBs potentially added at the NFL Draft next month. You would think Smith would have the job locked down given his recent success and playoff run, but he will have plenty of competition behind him should he falter early in the year.
For more on Johnson and the 49ers, check out Niners Nation.