Joe Montana gives his take on 49ers’ QB situation, Nick Bosa holdout

Four-time Super Bowl champion Joe Montana commented on the 49ers quarterbacks and Nick Bosa’s holdout as part of a media blitz on Thursday morning

Joe Montana knows everything there is to know about the San Francisco 49ers and quarterback controversies.

On Thursday morning, the four-time Super Bowl champion and three-time Super Bowl MVP went on a media blitz to promote a new whiskey, appearing on 95.7 The Game, KNBR, and ESPN’s First Take, all during the 8 a.m. PR hour.

What did the Hall of Famer think of the 49ers’ trade of Trey Lance? Montana described the situation as “tough,” but believes it will work out for all parties involved.

“I think the biggest thing for Trey is that he needs to find a place in the system where he’s comfortable, and I don’t think I ever saw a comfort level for him in that [49ers’] system,” Montana said on ESPN. “It’s an inside-the-pocket system, and he came from a system in college that always got outside, and he had different reads that happened.” When you get to the NFL, you don’t learn to throw from the pocket.”

Montana, 67, made similar comments on both local sports talk radio stations, telling The Game that he expected a trade after Lance played heavily in the first two preseason games. Finding the right fit between player, coach, and scheme is far more important to Montana than talent.

“When I first got there, I got lucky and got with Bill Walsh,” Montana said on 95.7 FM. “When Steve Young came to San Francisco, it was a good fit for him.” Can he flee? Yes, he can run as fast as anyone. But he can also play from the pocket, so it was a good fit for Steve. “I think it’s just finding that spot where you can plug yourself in and feel at ease.”

This was not Montana’s first time expressing himself. Montana has stated that the 49ers should keep Garoppolo after trading up to select Lance and effectively establishing him as the heir apparent to Jimmy Garoppolo. Montana echoed that sentiment on Thursday.

“For the longest time, I thought they were going to find a way to keep Jimmy,” Montana explained on The Game. “Because the one thing he could do for them, even if he came off the bench, was win games.” I just think the salary cap issues were a big issue, and I don’t spend a lot of time down there, but I’m sure other things happened internally to sour the 49ers on Jimmy.”

When asked about Garoppolo’s recent comments about things getting “weird” with the 49ers, Montana noted that it is fairly common in the NFL, particularly in San Francisco. He’d be aware.

“They’re all odd. You can go back to when I was playing, and it was a strange situation for a while there as well, back and forth with Steve and I,” Montana explained to The Game. “It occurs in every organization and era.” It is what it is, and you must move on and make the best of your situation. I’m confident Jimmy will win some games for them in Las Vegas, and I wish him the best of luck.”

The 49ers will now be led by Brock Purdy, whom many have compared to Montana himself since his unexpected rise to the starting spot. Montana stated that he “hates” making comparisons, but sees some distinguishing characteristics in Purdy.

“He makes great decisions,” Montana told KNBR. “He can run if necessary.” He’s not a runner, and he knows it, but he makes plays with his feet. It’s entertaining to watch.”

Purdy’s ability to avoid costly turnovers also impressed Montana, as he only threw two interceptions in his nine starts (regular season and postseason combined).

“It’s OK to punt now and then if you have a good defense and it’s a team game.” “I’m not going to try to force it,” he told KNBR. “An interception is far more damaging than a punt.” Even if it’s 40 yards down the field, having to punt it 40 yards means something different to the opposing team. That’s why you see him dumping it underneath, and that was Bill’s offense.”

While Montana was mostly asked about quarterbacks, he also mentioned Nick Bosa’s ongoing holdout. On First Take, Stephen A. Smith said it “shouldn’t be difficult” for the 49ers to sign Bosa, which Montana “totally agreed” with.

“I think he’s a big key part of that defense,” Montana says. “You can’t win in this league unless you have a great defense.” He needs to be signed, and I can’t believe it’s taken this long. “I know all 49ers fans out here in the Bay Area are crossing their fingers that it gets done quickly.”

Montana admitted on KNBR that he had a couple of contentious contract negotiations over the years, but that they were never directly contentious with former owner Eddie DeBartolo.

Nonetheless, he’s seen some holdouts last into the season, such as when Fred Dean missed 10 games in 1984. Montana believes the 49ers cannot afford to lose Bosa.

“I think it’d be a total disservice to the team if they don’t get him signed quickly,” Montana told First Take.