49ers training camp officially kicked off Thursday in Santa Clara with veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer slated to be the team’s field general for the upcoming season. Despite rampant rumors about Kirk Cousins being in San Francisco’s future, Hoyer is the guy this year, and that won’t change barring some unforeseen injury or other circumstance.
To most, Hoyer represents a clear upgrade over the revolving door of underperforming quarterbacks that have led the 49ers to just seven wins in the last two seasons combined. In 17 games over the last two years for Hoyer, meanwhile, the 31-year-old has thrown for 4,051 yards and 25 touchdowns to go along with just seven interceptions.
Merton Hanks, former 49ers Pro Bowler and current Vice President of NFL Operations, joined Gary and Larry on KNBR Thursday to talk about the start of training camp and the level of confidence he has in Hoyer in the upcoming season. Hanks was adamant that Hoyer is safe in his current role, saying that only he and 2017 first round picks Solomon Thomas and Reuben Foster shouldn’t be nervous about their status for this season. But Hanks also pointed out that Hoyer isn’t quite a franchise-changing quarterback.
“Here’s the thing about Brian, in my estimation, watching him play over the last few years,” Hanks said. “He is going to understand the offense, he’s going to be able to run your offense, he’s going to be able to run your team. He’s not going to be a guy that can carry your team to victory. That’s where the supporting components will really have to step forward, the Carlos Hydes of the world, the Vance McDonalds of the world, they’re really going to have to step forward until the 49ers can address the quarterback position with a long-term talent. But I think he can hold the fort, but don’t expect him to go out and win games for you.”
A guy who can simply “hold the fort” may be good enough for the 49ers this season as they try to re-gain some respectability around the league, but as Hanks said, the long-term plan is likely to acquire a more dynamic gunslinger.
Check out KNBR.com for full coverage of San Francisco’s first day of training camp Thursday. The full interview with Hanks is available below. To listen to his comments on Hoyer, skip to the 4:10 mark.