The San Francisco 49ers have a lot more to be optimistic about than they did this time last year. They now have their presumptive franchise quarterback in Jimmy Garoppolo all locked up and have some talented young pieces who could be capable of leading the team back to relevance after some lean years.

One such piece is former Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon, who was one of the team’s top free agent signings this offseason. McKinnon says his new team has set its sights for the highest possible prize this season.

“The Super Bowl. That's what the eyes are on,” McKinnon said, according to NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco. “That's the prize. That's the ultimate goal. … The whole team has talked about it. We had a thing with the Navy SEALS. They were asking us, ‘What's the goal?' It was equally collaborated on: ‘Win the Super Bowl.'”

While it’s likely every team’s goal to win it all, the Niners’ chances of actually achieving that goal may not be completely farfetched. For one, they have Jimmy G, who knows what it feels like to be in the big game — at least from the sidelines — during his time with the Patriots and has shown star potential in his first few starts for San Francisco. They also have a head coach in Kyle Shanahan who so nearly helped the Falcons claim their first Super Bowl title.

Obviously, they’ll need a lot more things to break their way if they are to become legitimate contenders. For one, McKinnon and some other players would have to emerge as stars who can contribute in a big way. But while the odds aren't in their favor, crazier things have happened, so nothing should be completely ruled out just yet.