Quarterback Trey Lance, third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has gone from a starter for the San Francisco 49ers to third-string QB in less than a year. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the 49ers have decided to go with Sam Darnold as their backup behind Brock Purdy for the 2023 NFL season.
Reportedly, the 49ers are now considering various options with Lance, including trading him if the right offer comes their way.
The report comes just one day after the 49ers’ head coach, Kyle Shanahan said that he hasn’t decided on Purdy’s backup and hinted that Darnold and Lance might rotate in the role throughout the season.
“I would think we’d probably announce it before we play Pittsburgh, but not this game,” Shanahan said.
The San Francisco 49ers gave up three first-round picks in order to trade up to the No. 3 spot in the 2021 NFL Draft and select Trey Lance as their next franchise quarterback. Lance spent most of his rookie year as a backup to Jimmy Garoppolo before claiming the starting job ahead of the 2022 season.
Lance’s time as the 49ers’ No. 1 QB lasted less than two games, as he suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks. He played a total of eight games in his two years in the NFL, completing 54.9 percent of his passes for 797 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions.
Darnold, on the other hand, has 11,767 passing yards, 61 touchdowns, and 55 picks during his five years as a pro with the New York Jets and the Carolina Panthers.
