The San Francisco 49ers did, in fact, check with the Green Bay Packers on quarterback Aaron Rodgers' availability.
"You're talking about the MVP of our league last year," Niners general manager John Lynch said after the draft's first round Thursday, according to Cam Inman of The Mercury News. "I don't know about you guys, but when the MVP of the league might be available - and I didn't know that, I'm just reading the tea leaves like everybody else and saying, 'Hold on, is something going on here?'
"Yeah, we inquired. And it was a quick end to the conversation. It wasn't happening."
Rodgers reportedly told members of the Packers organization that he doesn't want to return to the team. However, Green Bay general manager Brian Gutekunst said the club wouldn't trade the 37-year-old.
The 49ers ended up drafting quarterback Trey Lance with the third overall pick Thursday.
The Denver Broncos were also rumored to have pursued Rodgers, but general manager George Paton declined to comment. He instead stated that the franchise is happy with its quarterbacks Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater.
"We are really excited for both quarterbacks. We're always looking to improve positions, and quarterback is another one. But we like who we have," Paton said.
