The San Francisco 49ers undoubtedly selected quarterback Trey Lance with the third overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft because they saw him as a future franchise piece.
However, two seasons into his career, it appears that Lance is sitting solidly behind Brock Purdy and journeyman Sam Darnold, whom the team recently signed to add depth to the position.
ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter relayed the news while appearing on The Pat McAfee Show.
“There was no trade market, and Kyle Shanahan has said that they didn’t have any trade talks with teams. He’s not going anywhere right now,” Schefter said.
“Sam Darnold signed with the 49ers on the first day of free agency … that tells you that the team really liked that guy, and they really did like Sam Darnold. Let’s also be very clear that Brock Purdy, if he’s healthy, he’s the guy, he’s the starting quarterback, he’s the No. 1. If he’s not, if for some reason he can’t go, we’ll see how Darnold and Trey Lance do in camp this summer. My guess would be Darnold has a chance to really shine and excel.”
Only time will tell how the QB battle shakes out—Purdy could return early and render it all moot—but judging from Schefter’s words, it would appear Darnold has the inside track to be the Week 1 starter as things stand.
