Ultimately, the opportunity to join a respected organization and play in head coach Kyle Shanahan's innovative offense outweighed any hesitation about potential electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure.
"Free agency was a little different this year," Kirk said on the In Good Company with Mitch Morse podcast. "I felt like I was in a position to be a little bit more picky on where I wanted to go, at this point in my career. I think it just all depended on being in the right situation. And so, from the get-go, San Fran had interest—there was a lot of interest there—and it excited me just because I played in that division for four years. Shanahan has had that thing rolling for a while."
Kirk also pointed to the appeal of joining a roster loaded with established stars, including Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Trent Williams, and Fred Warner.
"And so, played against all those guys, a lot of respect for that organization," Kirk continued. "And so, the more I started thinking about it, I'm like, 'Yeah, that's a great fit.' And I feel like I fit into that locker room really well, and want to be a part of what they are doing.
"I had some other options out there. I was just kind of taking my time and just really doing my due diligence."
A conversation with Shanahan ultimately sealed the decision, as Kirk gained clarity on how he would be utilized within the 49ers' offense.
"It was really a no-brainer, at the end of the day," Kirk shared. "So, super excited to be a part of the 49ers, and I get to be back on the West Coast, closer to home."
Kirk added that Shanahan's scheme is especially appealing to skill players because it creates space and maximizes individual strengths, contributing to his strong desire to join the 49ers.
"Just as being a skill guy, playing against those guys, and watching them really closely, you see what happens," Kirk explained. "There's just so much space when guys get the ball in their hands, the way he's able to scheme different guys open, playing off the play-action pass, run game, screens, the whole nine [yards].
"It's just all about integrating yourself in that, and he does a great job of using guys to their skill set, so I'm really excited about it."
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