King: 49ers among teams that ‘competed’ for Matthew Stafford, lost out to Rams

The San Francisco 49ers may downplay their level of interest in Matthew Stafford. On Saturday, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the team denied rumors that it was on the verge of trading for the Detroit Lions quarterback. However, Peter King of NBC Sports reports that San Francisco was among the teams that were "very interested" in and "competed" for Stafford.

Stafford did end up in the NFC West, ultimately landing with the Los Angeles Rams, who gave up a haul to acquire the soon-to-be 33-year-old quarterback. That included multiple first-round picks, a third-rounder, and Jared Goff.

According to King, the Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, and Indianapolis Colts were also in the running for Stafford.

San Francisco wasn't likely ever going to surrender that kind of draft capital for Stafford. Many believe that it cost the Rams so much because it meant the Lions absorbing Goff's salary.

The 49ers were facing an already-tough division that had Russell Wilson and Kyler Murray. Instead of adding Stafford, the team will have to face him too at least twice a year moving forward. Of course, it will be interesting to see how the Rams manage their salary cap. Los Angeles was already in a far worse situation than San Francisco in that department.