Speaking to reporters at the NFL's annual meetings in Phoenix, Arizona, on Monday, Shanahan revealed that the 49ers' interest in Hobbs extended well beyond this offseason.
Hobbs began his NFL career with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he played from 2021 through 2024. He first caught Shanahan's attention during joint training camp practices between the two teams.
"When I first noticed Nate, when we go against the Raiders, scrimmaging against him and stuff, he's a guy we've tried to get for a while," Shanahan said. "We actually talked about trying to trade for him a couple of years ago.
"He's been a hell of a nickel to go against. He's played outside. I like when you get a guy who can fill in anywhere and try to earn a spot."
While Shanahan praised Hobbs' versatility, he has not seriously considered using the defensive back at safety with the 49ers—at least not yet. That said, the head coach didn't rule out the possibility.
"I haven't thought about him much at safety," Shanahan said. "Just knowing the guy, going against him, I'm sure there's nothing he can't do in the secondary."
A fifth-round pick in 2021, Hobbs adds valuable depth to a 49ers cornerback group that includes Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green starting on the outside, along with second-year defensive back Upton Stout in the nickel role.
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