Unlike a certain Denver quarterback, Shaun Hill took no offense when the 49ers went looking for an upgrade.

The team tried to sign free agent Kurt Warner earlier this month, complete with private jets and limousine rides.

Hill said that if he were in management, he would have done the same thing.

"He's a future Hall of Famer," Hill said of Warner, who re-signed with Arizona.

Hill is apparently impossible to insult. The quarterback was as chipper as ever when the first mini-camp of season began Friday — even though the 49ers are forcing him to win his job back.

Hill has reason to feel slighted. He is 7-3 as a starter and his 90.5 passer rating last season ranked ahead of notables such as Eli Manning (86.4), Jay Cutler (86.0) and Brett Favre (81.0).

All it earned him was another camp battle with Alex Smith, who showed some flashes of regained arm strength during afternoon practices. The key will be which quarterback adjusts to new offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye.

Bring it on, Hill said.

"College was the same way. That's just the way it's always been and I guess that's all I know," Hill said. "I don't get sensitive about stuff like that. I just show up and try to do the best I can."

In contrast, Cutler was so upset that his Broncos bosses tried to trade for Matt Cassel that he demanded a trade. And because the 49ers have yet to commit to a quarterback, Coach Mike Singletary was asked whether the team had interest in Cutler.

"I'm going to stay away from that," Singletary said, citing NFL tampering restrictions. "Because of what the league rules are, I'm going to stay away."

Hill would no doubt be unfazed by such talk. In fact, he went out of his way to praise Smith and to say that whoever loses out will work hard to help the other guy. "We're great friends. This competition won't change that."

The only time Hill hinted at bad blood was on topic of Mike Martz, the fired offensive coordinator. To a vague and complicated question about Raye's mixture of drops and plans for audibles, Hill smiled slyly.

"I'm going to go ahead and answer the real question you're asking here: I feel more comfortable in Jimmy Raye's system than I did in Mike Martz's system," Hill said. "That's what you're asking."

In 12 career games with significant action, Hill has a quarterback rating of at least 90.0 eight times and at least 100.0 five times.

For now, his biggest competition is Smith, the former No. 1 pick who said he is close to a full recovery after shoulder surgery last winter. Smith looked good at times Friday, zipping the ball to Jason Hill on a corner route on one play.

He wobbled a few passes, too, but Smith looked physically impressive. He has put on muscle, weighing in at 221 pounds — about four pounds bigger than his listed weight last season.

"At this position, you can take a lot of hits and I think that weight can help you endure those hits, especially in a long season," Smith said.

Smith said he no longer concerns himself with the pressure and expectations that comes from being the top draft selection. Now, he just wants a chance to prove he can play.

The 49ers wanted him to come back at a reduced contract, and Smith didn't bother driving a hard bargain. He said the only direction he gave agent Tom Condon was: "Make it happen."

"I'm here to play football. I'm not into the negotiating and clauses and contracts," Smith said. "I wanted an opportunity. I'm thankful for it and it's my turn to take advantage."

Another day of practice took place Friday afternoon, with meetings only scheduled for Sunday. Singletary said that the most important element of the weekend camp was a chance for Raye to get a feel for the players he has to work with and visa-versa.

Raye is the seventh offensive coordinator in seven seasons. Smith, especially, struggled to learn Martz's complex system a year ago at this time.

Is Smith a better fit for Raye?

"We're going to find out," Singletary said.