Despite a lackluster 2017 NFL season, there is plenty of optimism surrounding the San Francisco 49ers going into the 2018 campaign thanks to the addition of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. San Francisco had traded for the coveted backup during last season in exchange for a second-round pick with the New England Patriots.

However, it seems the deal for Garoppolo was not something that head coach Kyle Shanahan had in mind when taking over. During an appearance on ESPN’s Golic and Wingo radio show, 49ers general manager John Lynch admitted that Shanahan's plan was to bring over former Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins:

“Jimmy [Garoppolo], we made the trade, but then there were some days that Kyle Shanahan was like in mourning, because I think everybody knows his master plan was to have Kirk Cousins come in eventually. I was proud of Kyle, because I think he knew that this was the right thing for our franchise. And he didn’t hesitate. But then, even then, Jimmy had to really prove himself. Kyle, I think was really smart. He didn’t play him right away.”

Shanahan's hidden desire to bring Kirk Cousins to San Francisco should hardly come as a surprise. The first-year head coach had spent some time with Cousins as Washington's offensive coordinator. That said, he got an early look at the exceptional passer that he would eventually become.

As a result, Kyle Shanahan took on the 49ers job knowing that he would have a say in addressing their glaring void under center. It makes sense that he would have wanted the more proven passer in Cousins as opposed to a player like Garoppolo who started just two games in his career at the time. However, it is safe to say that things ultimately worked out for all parties involved.