The Los Angeles Rams upgraded at quarterback this weekend, agreeing to a trade for Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford. The San Francisco 49ers discussed the possibility of trading for Stafford themselves but were lukewarm on the idea of surrendering too much for the quarterback.
Some feel that the 49ers might be falling behind in the NFC West arms race after the Stafford-to-Rams trade. All-Pro tight end George Kittle joined FS1's Undisputed on Tuesday and was asked about the quarterback change with the 49ers' division rival.
"Matthew Stafford is a great quarterback," Kittle told Skip Bayless, Shannon Sharpe, and Jenny Taft. "I think he played incredibly well his entire career at the Lions. The throws that he makes, he's a hell of a quarterback, and I think he's a hell of a leader, just from my relationship with (Lions TE) T.J. Hockenson, who said he was awesome to have when he was in Detroit.
"The Rams are obviously getting a great football player. I think it's definitely going to help them, but I think I'm very confident in our defense and the players that we have to go up against that and compete with it twice a year. So, it's an interesting trade, but it is what it is, and I'm just looking forward to playing more football."
The conversation moved to Jimmy Garoppolo, who could remain the 49ers quarterback for at least another season. While Kittle doesn't see that as a negative, Bayless asked if the Rams' move creates a sense of urgency for the 49ers to fight fire with fire and upgrade from Garoppolo. What does Kittle think about the speculation that San Francisco might be in the quarterback market for someone like Deshaun Watson or Kirk Cousins?
"Skip, [that] is all it is. It's speculation," Kittle responded. "The 49ers aren't in the playoffs this year so let's just talk about the most controversial thing, which for the past two or three years has been the quarterback position of the 49ers. That's what everyone wants to talk about.
"I think Jimmy G is a hell of a quarterback. I love playing with him. I think he's a great leader on and off the field. He gets guys into the positions they need to be to win, and whenever he's given the opportunity, I think he plays at a really high level, especially when he's not injured. Fighting fire with fire? I think my fire is Nick Bosa and Arik Armstead and Fred Warner, and I'm pretty confident in that."
The 49ers have had success against Sean McVay and the Rams over the last two seasons, winning four consecutive games against the rival. Kittle hopes a healthier team can continue the streak and once again make some noise within the NFC West.
You can watch the entire interview with Kittle below.