It might have been a slow news day had NFL Media's Ian Rapoport not released a tidbit this morning, reporting that the San Francisco 49ers were fielding calls from NFL teams inquiring about quarterback Trey Lance. The insider notes that other organizations are calling the 49ers, not the Niners making the calls.
Later, Pro Football Talk reported that the 49ers and Vikings had some discussions about the third-year quarterback at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
While all of this may have been news to fans, it isn't anything new to one NFL general manager.
"John [Lynch] taking calls on him was probably the worst kept secret since Indy," the unnamed general manager told Jordan Schultz of The Score. "I know they've listened. Lance is still young and on a rookie deal. He's pretty talented.
"[Sam] Darnold has tons of incentives in his deal and Purdy has the elbow problem. … I think it would take a pretty strong offer to get Lance."
Spoke with a GM today - who's not in the market for a QB - about #49ers QB Trey Lance: "John [Lynch] taking calls on him was probably the worst kept secret since Indy. I know they've listened. Lance is still young and on a rookie deal. He's pretty talented. [Sam] Darnold has tons…
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 20, 2023
Rapoport indicated that the 49ers aren't hanging up on any of these calls. Of course, the team is always willing to listen to offers for anyone, with Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan joking on multiple occasions that they might trade each other for the right price.
"They haven't hung up the phone, nor should they, by the way," Rapoport said when asked if the 49ers have been receptive to the inquiries. "And this is something the general manager John Lynch has been very clear about. If someone calls, they're going to listen. All teams should listen. And this one in particular, because Trey Lance is a very, very talented player."
Rapoport also notes that no trade is imminent. The 49ers, if at all interested in dealing the former No. 3 overall pick, may think it wise to wait on the recovery status of Brock Purdy, who underwent surgery on March 10 to repair the tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow. While he is expected to be sidelined until September, the second-years quarterback will begin throwing again in June. That's when San Francisco will know more about his return timeline.