Kyle Shanahan explains why Sam Darnold’s knowledge of 49ers’ system isn’t a major concern

Head coach Kyle Shanahan had hoped that Sam Darnold wouldn't draw much free agency interest, allowing the veteran quarterback to return to the San Francisco 49ers. However, Darnold signed with the Minnesota Vikings and is set to face his former team on Sunday.

Last season, there were discussions regarding former 49ers quarterback Trey Lance, whose familiarity with the system might benefit the Dallas Cowboys. Ultimately, it didn't make much difference, as the 49ers routed the Cowboys 42-10 in Week 5.

During an interview on Thursday with Bay Area radio station KNBR, Shanahan was asked if the 49ers need to adjust anything in preparation for Darnold, given his insider knowledge of their system.

"I think if we had maybe the old Peyton Manning offense, to a degree, where you're at the line so much, and you're signaling a ton and doing things, you would definitely have to change a number of it," Shanahan explained. "But we're not totally built that way. Sam knows what we coach and what we do, but you can see most of that on film."

Shanahan believes the Vikings focusing too much on what Darnold might know about the 49ers would only add unnecessary complexity during an already hectic week of preparation.

"And most of the cases I've been in, anytime coaches spend their time talking to a former player to see what the other team was doing, it usually backfires because you spend less time really studying it, kind of learning it for yourself, so you know how to prepare your players, and you get caught up too much in the other team," Shanahan remarked.

"So it's something I never really worry about because if people want to do that, great. It might give them one or two things, whatever that is, but I think it wastes a little bit more time than anything else."

The 49ers and Vikings will kick off at 10 a.m. PT from U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday.