Quarterback Sam Darnold is ecstatic after his move to the San Francisco 49ers. His teammates have him raving – and the coach first.

“Guys are open.” – the boys are open.

With these simple words, Sam Darnold has explained why he decided to join the San Francisco 49ers after his time with the Carolina Panthers.

The California-born quarterback signed a one-year deal with the Niners in March and can’t help but gush at the thought of his new team.

“Guys are free-standing, I mean there’s a lot of guys that get loose on almost every play and are playable,” he explained on the “Pardon My Take” podcast.

The passer, who was drafted by the New York Jets in 2018 as a big promise but never caught on there, can’t stop gushing, “It seems like they have an answer for everything. For example, a great running game. A running game that works is always a comforting feeling for a quarterback. We just have a lot of weapons: Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle, of course Christian McCaffrey, Kyle Juszczyk, Jauan Jennings – there are so many guys, you could go on and on. “

Darnold raves about 49ers coach Shanahan

But it’s not just the star-studded offense that promises great things for the 2023 season. Head coach Kyle Shanahan is also excited about the former first-round pick. More specifically, his ability to manage the potent offense.

“Kyle understands what each player is good at and what they’re not good at, and I feel like he gets the most out of his guys with every game plan,” Darnald said. “As a quarterback, it’s a very good feeling to know that the coach is putting everyone in the best position possible.”

Which quarterback will be on the field as a starter for the 49ers next season is currently up in the air. One thing is clear: If last year’s Mr. Irrelevant Brock Purdy is fit in time after his elbow injury, he will have No. 1 status for now.

Behind him, Darnold and 2022 first-round pick Trey Lance will fight for the job of backup – and if Purdy doesn’t get fit in time, for the starting job.