The Sporting News
May 22, 2006
It is one of those transactions that receives scant attention. But the 49ers' decision to trade for Trent Dilfer is a significant step in the rebuilding process headed by coach/czar Mike Nolan.
Nolan wanted Dilfer last season so the veteran could start and also mentor rookie Alex Smith. But the Seahawks, which owned Dilfer's rights, wanted a fourth-round choice, a price the 49ers felt was too high. So he wound up in Cleveland.
The 49ers understand they probably should have given up that fourth-rounder. Without Dilfer last season, the 49ers' quarterback situation was awful. Starters shuffling in and out, Smith injured, then struggling to perform, no leadership, no stability. If Dilfer had been aboard, none of that likely would have happened.
He is a strong, strong leader and he would have stabilized the position and taken away the need to rush in Smith long before he was ready.
Smith is now the starter and Dilfer the backup. Even if that doesn't change, the team will benefit greatly from Dilfer's presence. He will be a force in the locker room and it's a good bet that Smith and he will become good friends.
Obtaining Dilfer is a sign that 49ers have a better understanding of what it takes to improve their situation, and the will to make it happen. That should be welcomed news for their fans.
May 22, 2006
It is one of those transactions that receives scant attention. But the 49ers' decision to trade for Trent Dilfer is a significant step in the rebuilding process headed by coach/czar Mike Nolan.
Nolan wanted Dilfer last season so the veteran could start and also mentor rookie Alex Smith. But the Seahawks, which owned Dilfer's rights, wanted a fourth-round choice, a price the 49ers felt was too high. So he wound up in Cleveland.
The 49ers understand they probably should have given up that fourth-rounder. Without Dilfer last season, the 49ers' quarterback situation was awful. Starters shuffling in and out, Smith injured, then struggling to perform, no leadership, no stability. If Dilfer had been aboard, none of that likely would have happened.
He is a strong, strong leader and he would have stabilized the position and taken away the need to rush in Smith long before he was ready.
Smith is now the starter and Dilfer the backup. Even if that doesn't change, the team will benefit greatly from Dilfer's presence. He will be a force in the locker room and it's a good bet that Smith and he will become good friends.
Obtaining Dilfer is a sign that 49ers have a better understanding of what it takes to improve their situation, and the will to make it happen. That should be welcomed news for their fans.