Shanahan 'talked out of' signing Brady in 2020?

Oct 3, 2021; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan walks on the field before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium. Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Report: 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan wanted to sign Tom Brady during 2020 free agency, was 'talked out of it'

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 9/2/22

Following an epic 20-year run with the New England Patriots, Tom Brady did what was at one time, thought to be the unthinkable -- leave Foxborough. Just two days after officially becoming a free agent in March 2020, "TB12" signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and since then, has added another Pro Bowl honor to his credit and more importantly, his seventh Super Bowl ring.

Coming off of a loss in Super Bowl LIV to the Kansas City Chiefs in February 2020 meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers were looking to make a big splash and reel in Brady that offseason. At least, that's reportedly what head coach Kyle Shanahan wanted to do.

During the 2020 free-agency, Kyle Shanahan wanted the #49ers to sign then free-agent QB Tom Brady.

But Shanahan was eventually talked out of it by others in the building, @mlbomraito told @PatMcAfeeShow

Brady grew up a 49ers. pic.twitter.com/1FCLKFddyX
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 2, 2022

After Shanahan was evidently "talked out of" signing the now-45-year-old, the Niners stuck with Jimmy Garoppolo -- Brady's former understudy in New England -- as their starting quarterback for the 2020 campaign. After leading them to the Super Bowl the previous season though, "Jimmy G." was hampered by an injured ankle for most of the year and was limited to six games, and San Franisco missed the playoffs with a 6-10 record.

In 2021, after selecting mobile threat Trey Lance as the No. 3 pick in the NFL Draft, the 49ers stayed with Garoppolo as the man under center for most of the year. The 30-year-old missed two games due to injury (where Lance filled in), but ultimately led San Francisco to a 10-7 record and appearance in the NFC Championship Game.

With Lance as the clear heir apparent to Garoppolo, Niners brass officially named the former as the new starter in July. After much back-and-forth reports and rumors regarding a possible trade of Garoppolo this summer, the team agreed to a restructured contract with the signal-caller earlier this week.

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