With the 49ers securing their quarterback of the present and future at the trade deadline in Jimmy Garoppolo, they will be freed up to build around him.

“It frees you up in the draft to go looking for other needs and build your team around him,” John Lynch said.

Lynch also said he's had interest in Garoppolo since before the draft but Bill Belichick didn't want to trade him at that time.

The 49ers could use the franchise tag on Garoppolo if they're unable to sign him to a long-term deal.

“I know he loves it here. I know we want him to be part of our future for a long, long time,” Lynch said.