The 49ers have agreed to trade quarterback Shaun Hill to the Detroit Lions for a seventh-round draft pick in 2011, according to a league source. Hill, who was 10-6 as the 49ers starter, finished the season behind Alex Smith on the depth chart. The 49ers recently signed a new backup quarterback in David Carr. The Lions offensive coordinator, Scott Linehan, is familiar with Hill having coached him in Minnesota. Linehan also was the Rams head coach in 2008. Hill and the 49ers swept the Rams that season.
The trade -- as all trades are -- is pending a physical for Hill. Carr also has yet to turn in his signed contract, which is expected to occur tomorrow. Hill, meanwhile, will find himself playing behind another No. 1 overall draft pick, Matthew Stafford, who was the Lions' top choice last season. Stafford suffered a shoulder injury late last season, and the Lions will be cautious as far as his workload this spring. That ought to provide more work for Hill, who is familiar with Linehan's offense.
Linehan was Mike Singletary's first choice for offensive coordinator last year, but he decided not to take the job. After nearly a month-long search, Singletary eventually selected Jimmy Raye.
-- Matt Barrows
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