Back when we were all so young and so naive, the first tangible, notable rumor linked to the San Francisco 49ers after free agency opened involved the Kansas City Chiefs and running back De'Anthony Thomas. It was then reported that the 49ers were talking to the Chiefs about a possible trade for the man they called "DAT."

Nothing came of those rumors, and now it's unclear if they were ever anything of actual substance as the folks over at SB Nation's Arrowhead Pride asked general manager John Dorsey if he had talked to the 49ers about a trade. Rather than beat around the bush, Dorsey offered a straight "no" and that was the end of the matter.

I'm not willing to say that there was no substance at all to the original rumors. It's possible that as far as Dorsey is concerned, he took a phone call and made it clear that he wasn't interested in dealing Thomas. It's also exactly what you should say if you were originally shopping a player but have decided to keep him around. Keeping the players happy is always the top priority.

Thomas has 23 rushes for 147 yards and a pair of touchdowns, 40 receptions for 296 yards and a touchdown, 63 punt returns for 632 yards and a touchdown and 20 kick returns for 566 yards in two seasons with the Chiefs. Notably, Thomas is an Oregon product who was taken in the fourth round in 2014. He's more of a gadget player who would be a good change of pace guy behind Carlos Hyde, so the move made sense from that perspective.

But it looks like the 49ers will be going elsewhere for more running back or returner help, if they still need it.