49ers' Shanahan: Darnold can follow Steve Young's career trajectory
Not only does Kyle Shanahan believe he can help quarterback Sam Darnold turn his career around, but the San Francisco 49ers head coach said he could see Darnold following the same path as two-time NFL MVP Steve Young.
"Steve Young took a while to get going, and he's one of the best quarterbacks of all time," Shanahan said, according to Michael Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle. "I don't like to compare anyone to Steve cause of how good he is, but why can't Sam be like that? He's got that type of ability. He is that type of person. And I'm just pumped that we could get a talented guy like him here."
Young began his NFL career in 1985 after coming over from the USFL. He spent his first two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before he was traded to the 49ers in 1987 to serve as Joe Montana's backup. Young eventually took over as the starter in the early 1990s and established himself as one of football's top signal-callers. He guided San Francisco to a Super Bowl victory in the 1994 season, tossing a record six touchdown passes in the big game. Young retired in 1999 as a seven-time Pro Bowler with 143 regular-season starts and 232 TD passes.
San Francisco signed Darnold to a one-year contract this offseason. The 2018 third overall pick, who's failed to meet the expectations since entering the NFL, has also played on the New York Jets (2018-20) and Carolina Panthers (2021-22).
Darnold has completed 59.7% of his passes for 61 touchdowns to 55 interceptions while posting a 21-34 record as a starter.
"You look at the history of the league, the quarterback is not dependent on one person," added Shanahan, one of the league's most respected offensive coaches. "You've got to have good players around you, you've got to be in a good situation, and that's always tough."
The 49ers' quarterback depth chart also features Brock Purdy and Trey Lance. Purdy, who underwent elbow surgery this offseason, is expected to start in 2023 after turning heads as a seventh-round rookie in 2022.
Lance, coming off an injury-plagued season, will likely compete with Darnold for the QB2 role.
"I love it," Shanahan said of the quarterback competition. "It's a great position (to be in). I know those guys both want to start and have that opportunity. I think it's gonna be a hell of a battle because we've got two top-three picks in the draft, two guys who are talented enough to do that, and two guys who are fighting their claws off for an opportunity."
The 49ers kick off their regular season on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 10.
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