The San Francisco 49ers have a talented roster, no matter the starting quarterback. The roster is so talented, in fact, that it led to NFL.com columnist Adam Schein listing the team among those with the biggest Super Bowl windows right now. It is so good that he listed them third on his list, with only the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs listed above Kyle Shanahan's squad.
Interestingly, Schein lists the 49ers because of Jimmy Garoppolo's impending exit from the team, not despite it. The columnist makes his feelings clear about the polarizing quarterback. He is on the side of those who feel the 49ers are better off with Trey Lance over Garoppolo, even joking that Garoppolo had thrown another "facepalm-worthy pick" while you read his column.
"The Jimmy G era is over for the Niners. In 2022, San Francisco is TREY AREAAAA!" exclaims Schein.
While Schein is clearly excited about Lance's potential, he can't deny the inexperience. Lance entered the league, having played one game since January 11, 2020. He started just two games during his rookie campaign. The bulk of the rookie's development came courtesy of his study habits and emulating opposing quarterbacks on the scout team.
The 49ers are hoping that's enough to become a serviceable (hopefully, more than serviceable) passer in 2022.
"That said, I'm concerned about his inexperience and inability to beat out Garoppolo this past season," wrote Schein. "Talking to Deebo Samuel on radio row last week, though, San Francisco's do-everything playmaker thinks Trey can be a star. The tools are definitely there, Samuel told me, it's just about Lance learning how to be a pro. That wasn't a knock, either: Samuel said it's the light that goes on for players between Year 1 and Year 2. Not to mention, Lance is still just 21 years old. Deebo thinks Trey will be ready to answer the bell in September."
Schein points to the 49ers being formidable everywhere else as a reason why Lance can succeed, and the team can contend for years to come. The defensive front should remain one of the team's strengths, given how aggressive John Lynch and company have been in previous offseasons when stockpiling defensive linemen.
Added Schein: "Defensively, San Francisco boasts a rugged front seven headlined by a premium QB hunter in Nick Bosa. The NFC is wide open, too."