7 Matt Barkley QB

Barkley was reportedly one of three QBs who worked out for the Patriots on Friday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

It remains to be seen if the Patriots add a quarterback in short order, or if the team is simply compiling a list of potential options to turn to should the team either choose to carry a third signal-caller, or down the road be forced to sign one in the event of an injury.

Barkley was cut by the 49ers on Friday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Barkley's professional star has faded despite four seasons in the league. He played in seven games for the Bears in 2016, but his stint resulted in just an 8:14 TD:INT ratio. The 26-year-old failed to beat out C.J. Beathard for a backup gig with the 49ers, but there's still a possibility he finds a backup job elsewhere.

Barkley completed both of his pass attempts for 19 yards in Sunday's preseason loss to the Vikings.

The 26-year-old played just six fourth-quarter minutes and has been used as the third QB off the bench in the 49ers' last two preseason contests. Barkley's lack of playing time and placement at the bottom of the depth chart doesn't bode well for his chances to win the primary backup job over C.J. Beathard, but he could still technically win the position battle if San Francisco elects to place their rookie signal caller on the practice squad to begin the year. Expect an official decision to be made after Thursday's preseason finale against the Chargers.

Barkley will be the third-string quarterback in Saturday's preseason matchup with the Broncos, Cam Inman of The Mercury News reports.

Barkley had been the No. 2 option behind starting quarterback Brian Hoyer, but C.J. Beathard has ousted him for the primary backup role, at least for one game. The shift doesn't set anything in stone, but it's not a great sign for Barkley's chances at the backup position on the final roster.

Barkley completed 10 of 17 pass attempts for 168 yards and no touchdowns or interceptions in Friday's preseason win over the Chiefs.

The 26-year-old was solid in his first action under center in San Francisco, showing accuracy and poise in he pocket against Kansas City's second-string defense. The only knock on his performance was an inability to finish two redzone drives that ended in field goal attempts. Brian Hoyer has already been announced as the 49ers' starting quarterback, so Barkley will have to fend off rookie C.J. Beathard in a battle for backup duties.