In the 2021 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers traded three first-round picks and a third-rounder to move up to the third overall pick and select Trey Lance. Just two years later, they’ve announced Sam Darnold has won the right to backup Brock Purdy over Lance. Reports indicate that Lance will likely be moved soon the 49ers try to make up for lost assets.
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Can Sam Darnold, Trey Lance Coexist In San Francisco?
#49ers QB Sam Darnold was named the team’s No. 2 QB, per me and @TomPelissero. He’ll be the backup to Brock Purdy to begin the season.
This further puts the future of former No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance in some doubt. pic.twitter.com/ig7PVp4lgn
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 23, 2023
An Injury-Riddled Year
After an unprecedented season of quarterback turnover in San Francisco, the pecking order heading into a new year was unclear. Lance started just two games last season, losing in Week 1 to the Chicago Bears before fracturing his ankle against the Seahawks in Week 2, ending his season. Kyle Shanahan then went back to Jimmy Garoppolo, who luckily stayed with the 49ers after being benched. Garoppolo played in 10 games, winning seven of them before going down with a fractured foot one series into a Week 13 contest with Miami. Then came Mr. Irrelevant.
Purdy stepped in to throw for 210 yards and two touchdowns in a 33-17 win over the Dolphins. His first start came the next week against Tom Brady, where he threw for 185 yards and three total touchdowns. Purdy and the 49ers didn’t lose again until, you guessed it, he injured his elbow. Ill-timed, this one came in the first quarter of the NFC title game against the Eagles. Josh Johnson stepped in before becoming the fourth San Francisco quarterback that season to get injured, this time with a concussion.
The 49ers would obviously go on to lose that game and enter the offseason with lots of uncertainty, but somewhat in a positive way.
Questions to Answer
The only thing clear in the quarterback room was that Garoppolo was leaving. As his contract expired, he signed with the Raiders in free agency. After the veteran exited, the 49ers signed Darnold to a one-year contract. Darnold was a highly touted prospect from USC who was selected third overall by the Jets. Darnold has moved around a bit, amassing 61 career touchdowns and 55 interceptions with a record of 21-35.
The 49ers made it clear that Brock Purdy would be the starting quarterback if he was healthy, and he’s already back on the field. Darnold was supposed to be a safety net to avoid the pitfalls of last season, having an extra quarterback to step in should disaster strike. Then, Darnold started playing well at camp.
Shanahan and general manager John Lynch have been fielding calls on Lance since April. They were open to trading him but seemed content with holding onto him should they need a backup. After all, they paid a hefty price to get him. As reports of Darnold’s stellar play at camp continued to heat up, Lance’s future became more uncertain.
Lance Likely Out
Finally, it was announced today that Shanahan was promoting Sam Darnold over Trey Lance. The 26-year-old former Trojan will back up Purdy and the former heir apparent is down at third string, for now at least.
Reports already say that the 49ers will “explore options” with Lance, likely signifying his move elsewhere. The question now shifts to what they could get in return for him. As previously stated, this front office gave up three first-round picks for the right to secure his services. They’ll be looking to get something in return to minimize their losses.
Niners to explore options with Trey Lance after naming Sam Darnold backup QB behind Brock Purdy, per @RapSheet + @TomPelisserohttps://t.co/fisYvIYX7X pic.twitter.com/vIjqpmBrdB
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) August 23, 2023
It’s unlikely that San Francisco can get even a first rounder for Lance now but look for quarterback-needy teams to step in and fork over some draft capital for a guy who’s unproven but could have a high ceiling. Teams like the Buccaneers, Falcons, or Commanders could be willing to trade a few day two or three picks to add Lance to their quarterback room.
We’ll see in the coming days and weeks what Lance’s future holds. The NFL season kicks off on September 7th, so Lynch and Shanahan may feel the need to work hastily.
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Main Photo: Robert Edwards
