"I wish we were back in the days when you had an opportunity to keep a Joe Montana and a Steve Young on the same team," Lynch said Friday morning on KNBR's Murph & Mac show. "With the salary cap, those things are tougher. But Nick, he keeps playing like that, he'll make things really tough on a lot of people, and he'll be coveted. I know we certainly covet him."
Mullens looks set to make his 10th career start when the 49ers host the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night. He performed well this past weekend on the road against the New York Giants while filling in for injured quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (ankle). Mullens was 25-of-36 for 343 yards with a touchdown and a 108.9 passer rating.
"You forget, at this level, backup quarterbacks don't get a ton of reps," Lynch continued, "and so they have to have that ability, by osmosis, to take in the game plan, and Nick really does such a great job of that. We saw it come to fruition last week, and (he) played with great confidence. I just love the way, as Kyle (Shanahan) says, (he has of) getting back and not being afraid to let it rip.
"Nick did that consistently, throwing on time, getting the ball downfield. He plays at a high level. His brain functions really quick. He can process information in a hurry. He doesn't have the arm talent Jimmy has, but he's got enough. We've seen guys in this league, when you process quickly, that can overcome that.
"So, he's doing a great job really making a name for himself, and if you saw the way this kid works day in and day out, it's really an inspiration to his teammates. That's why there's so much love for him."
The 49ers are a touchdown favorite over the visiting Eagles. San Francisco hasn't ruled out the possibility that Garoppolo might play, but the quarterback has not practiced yet this week, and there is just one more session this afternoon.
All signs seem to point to Mullens being out there running the offense when the 49ers take the field on Sunday night.
You can listen to the entire conversation with Lynch below.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
John Lynch: Safe to say Brandon Aiyuk has played last snap with 49ers
Speculation has surrounded the future of San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk for months, and on Wednesday, general manager John Lynch all but confirmed what many in the media expected. Aiyuk, who did not return this season after suffering ACL and MCL injuries in... -
49ers' John Lynch on Jauan Jennings: "We'd love to have him back"
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings' future remains uncertain. After expressing frustration over his contract last year, the team restructured the final year of his deal, allowing the fan-favorite to earn additional incentives. Jennings is set to become a free... -
49ers end-of-season press conference: John Lynch, Kyle Shanahan to speak Wednesday
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan will hold their annual end-of-season press conference on Wednesday, January 21, at 11:30 a.m. (PT), offering insight into the team's plans for the upcoming offseason. The availability will allow local... -
Kyle Shanahan, John Lynch hold 49ers end-of-season press conference
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch held their annual end-of-season press conference on Wednesday, reflecting on the team's 2025 campaign, which ended in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Here is everything they said. Transcript...