This isn't exactly new news, but it is news that was already assumed, coming from a new source. This week, Dan Patrick, host of The Dan Patrick Show, stated that the San Francisco 49ers at least considered what it might take to trade for Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.
"I was told this yesterday," Patrick said. "The Niners have monitored everything, including Lamar Jackson. They've explored that, or at least looked at it. They kicked the tires on that. And of course, you should do that. Always try to improve."
Video: Dan Patrick was told that the #49ers explored a trade for #Ravens Lamar Jackson on his @dpshowpic.twitter.com/KGmjgIDyXw
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 26, 2023
It makes sense that the 49ers would at least explore the possibility. Internally, at least. It's not every year that a former league MVP is up for grabs. That doesn't necessarily mean the team made any calls to the Ravens, though. Adding Jackson would be costly, both in compensation and money. The 49ers currently own less than $3 million in salary-cap space, per OverTheCap.com.
During his annual pre-draft press conference on Monday, a reporter asked general manager John Lynch about the 49ers' interest in Jackson. The executive stated what he often states, that "you look into everything," noting that the 49ers often seem to be linked to all available players when it comes to media reports.
He also took the opportunity to express his confidence in San Francisco's current quarterback room, which includes Brock Purdy and two former No. 3 overall picks, Trey Lance and Sam Darnold.
"I can tell you, I think it's how convicted we are on Brock, on this current group of guys," Lynch added. "You're not doing your job if you don't look into things. A lot of those things, I think you're limited by the way our roster is set up."