The 49ers made a strong push to sign Warner. They flew Warner and his wife, Brenda, in a private jet to the San Francisco area and transported them in a stretch Range Rover.

The 49ers say they never gave Warner a "formal offer," but their "informal offer" met Warner's demands of $15 million a year. Regardless of the intention, the 49ers played a pivotal role in Warner's ability to get more money from the Arizona Cardinals, who signed him to a two-year, $23 million contract.

The 49ers entered the offseason apparently content with a two-man quarterback competition involving Shaun Hill and Alex Smith. Coach Mike Singletary and general manager Scot McCloughan expressed doubt that the team could acquire anyone who would provide an upgrade at quarterback over the players already on the roster.

The 49ers knew Warner's intent all along was to return to the Cardinals, but they were confident they could convince him that the 49ers would be a good fit.

When the 49ers were pursuing Warner, McCloughan said he would not close the door on Smith's return to the 49ers, regardless of what happened with Warner.

Smith is scheduled to make $9.625 million in base salary this season. He missed most of two seasons with shoulder injuries. The 49ers must reduce his contract before they even allow him to step on the field for a minicamp, McCloughan said.

"At that position, we're trying to add as much good talent there as we can," McCloughan said. "You can never have enough. No doors are ever closed. We're trying to get better."

Because Singletary is a first-year coach, the 49ers have one additional minicamp this offseason. The 49ers will get together for the first time this offseason, beginning March 16.

The 49ers did not sign Warner, but they did acquire veteran backup Damon Huard, who was released by the Kansas City Chiefs last month.