49ers reportedly 'kicked the tires' on trading for Ravens' Lamar Jackson

The San Francisco 49ers may add a big-name quarterback to their roster at some point this spring or summer, after all. 

According to Erich Richter of the New York Post, well-respected sports talk host Dan Patrick suggested during "The Dan Patrick Show" that the 49ers are open to making a move for Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson.

"I was told this yesterday. The Niners have monitored everything, including Lamar Jackson," Patrick explained. "They’ve explored that or at least looked at it. They kicked the tires on it. And, of course, you should do that." 

Earlier this week, 49ers general manager John Lynch indicated the makeup of San Francisco's roster left him "limited" as it pertains to pursuing expensive stars. As of Wednesday afternoon, the Over The Cap website showed the 49ers owned under $3M in salary-cap space. 

To compare, Jackson has reportedly wished to earn over $230M in fully guaranteed money from his next contract as his rights for 2023 remain attached to Baltimore via the non-exclusive franchise tag. 

Jackson is eligible to negotiate with other clubs while on the tag, while Baltimore could match any offer he accepts or receive two first-round draft picks as compensation for the one-time NFL Most Valuable Player. 

Lynch has made it known he'd have 2022 rookie sensation Brock Purdy atop the depth chart at the position if Purdy was healthy. However, the 23-year-old is on track to spend at least the summer months recovering from surgery he had on March 10 to repair the torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. It's unknown when Purdy will be cleared to face live defenses. 

Purdy's absence will leave free-agency signing Sam Darnold and 2021 first-round draft pick Trey Lance as San Francisco's top quarterback options for a summer competition held by head coach Kyle Shanahan. 

Lynch poured cold water over rumors claiming Lance could be traded before September when the executive said this week he expects the 22-year-old to stay with the club through the upcoming campaign.

That, of course, could change if Baltimore has any interest in Lance and if Lynch lands Jackson in what would be a blockbuster and NFC-shifting transaction.