The 49ers need a No. 3 quarterback, but it’s not going to be David Carr.

Matt Maiocco CSNBayArea.com reports that the 49ers will release Carr Thursday. It would have been a big surprise if they decided to keep him.

Maiocco points out that Alex Smith has consolidated his hold on the 49ers starting job. It’s clear that Carson Palmer isn’t coming to town, and Matt Hasselbeck has gone elsewhere. We’d anticipate the 49ers sign a young player for the No. 3 job.