Before that, reports often linked San Francisco to other quarterbacks like Matthew Stafford and Deshaun Watson. Head coach Kyle Shanahan already admitted to being interested in the former, saying that he was trying to get the 49ers involved in the talks for the former Detroit Lions quarterback. However, much to Shanahan's disappointment, the Lions traded Stafford before that could happen.
Stafford did land in the NFC West, though — with the rival Los Angeles Rams. So Shanahan will get to see him twice a year.
"You found out there was rumors he was going to be available," Shanahan explained to reporters today. "It started to get somewhat serious, just like kind of Deshaun was at the time. Those are the people you're looking at, just making sure you're ready for that. And you see how good he is. Then you go to sleep, and you wake up, and he's on the Rams the next day. That was a little frustrating."
The coach's comments might indicate that he also considered a play for Watson. If so, that likely ended when legal issues surfaced for the Houston Texans quarterback.
San Francisco ended up trading up nine spots in the draft to select Lance with the No. 3 overall pick. The 21-year-old quarterback remains unsigned as of this post but figures to enter training camp and the regular season as Jimmy Garoppolo's backup — whenever he puts pen to paper.
Shanahan made it clear that there is no quarterback competition brewing in Santa Clara.
"There's no open competition right now in terms of they're getting equal reps with the same group," Shanahan said via Kirk Larrabee. "Jimmy's coming in as the one, and Trey's coming in as the two."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Kyle Shanahan on 49ers WR Mike Evans: 'I haven't had many guys like that'
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is excited about the possibilities veteran wide receiver Mike Evans brings to his offense. On Thursday, Shanahan did not hide his enthusiasm as he discussed the unique traits Evans brings to the team. "Mike's a Hall-of-Fame... -
49ers OTAs: Kyle Shanahan sets clear goals
The San Francisco 49ers continued organized team activities (OTAs) on Thursday, their second practice since starting OTAs on Wednesday. Several veteran players were held out of Thursday's practice. Quarterback Brock Purdy participated, while others—including wide receiver... -
Kyle Shanahan discusses the start of 49ers OTAs
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters on Thursday following the team's second organized team activities (OTAs) practice. Here's what he had to say. Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff. You guys added a bunch of... -
49ers reunion? Nick Bosa, Kyle Shanahan address Joey Bosa interest
Veteran pass rusher Joey Bosa has been linked to the San Francisco 49ers throughout the offseason as the team looks to bolster a pass rush that struggled last year, finishing with an NFL-low 20 sacks. Despite the fit on paper, questions remain about whether a move is realistic...