"Sources say that the 49ers were Rodgers' top choice when it came to a new destination," Rapoport wrote this morning. "And when the 49ers made their phone call to coach Matt LaFleur, it was done because they got word that Rodgers was more than into it."
While none of this is new information, it is undoubtedly relevant given tonight's matchup. In the hours leading to the 2021 NFL Draft, word spread that Rodgers was unhappy in Green Bay and sought a trade. That prompted the 49ers to do their due diligence and call to inquire about the availability of the future Hall of Fame quarterback.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur responded quickly, saying he was not available.
"It didn't seem like it was worth the call, but I know how we would have felt if it was going to happen and that we didn't call," Shanahan explained this week. "You call them, and you get a quick answer, which is what you were expecting, then you move on."
A month before the call, San Francisco had traded three first-round draft picks and a third-rounder to move up to the No. 3 overall pick. That selection obviously would have needed to be part of any deal for Rodgers. However, the Packers already have Jordan Love waiting in the wings to take over for Rodgers, so a top quarterback wasn't necessarily needed.
One has to wonder if the 49ers may have been better positioned to discuss trade options for Rodgers had they still owned their initial selections.
The 49ers ended up drafting quarterback Trey Lance with the No. 3 overall pick, and he is currently serving as Garoppolo's backup.
This past offseason was the second time Rodgers hoped to land with San Francisco. The Niners passed on the quarterback in the 2005 NFL Draft, instead selecting Alex Smith with the No. 1 overall pick.
The 49ers and Packers will kick off tonight at 5:20 p.m. from Levi's Stadium.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers mailbag: Which draft pick was the biggest reach? Favorite and least favorite picks? Can the offensive line protect Brock Purdy?
Last week was the NFL draft, and the San Francisco 49ers came away with 11 draft picks. They also added a handful of undrafted players. The 49ers needed to get younger and faster, and they did that during the draft weekend. What they do with all the fresh faces remains to be... -
49ers climb in power rankings after defense-heavy draft haul
NFL.com's Eric Edholm released his post-draft power rankings, offering insight into where each team stands after adding their latest rookie classes. At the top of the list are the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, whose draft haul once again earned Edholm's praise. The... -
49ers Draft Night Vibes at Levi's Stadium
This past Thursday, I had the chance to soak in the electric atmosphere at Levi's Stadium for the 49ers' Draft Party. From the gold-blooded diehards to the next generation of the Faithful, there was plenty of buzz about who the 49ers would select with the 11th overall pick. As... -
Listen: 49ers make the call to Mykel Williams
Former Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams received the call of a lifetime on Thursday night. On the other end of the line were San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch, head coach Kyle Shanahan, and team owner Jed York. The trio informed the standout pass rusher that...