There have been a lot of rumors surrounding the future of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance. Last week, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that multiple teams had contacted the 49ers, inquiring about the former No. 3 overall pick.
Yes, teams have called. However, that doesn't mean the Niners are actively shopping the third-year quarterback. The team has been open with Lance regarding their thinking.
"Trey and I have talked, and we're on the same page, and Trey knows exactly where the situation is," general manager John Lynch told reporters on Monday during his pre-draft media availability. "His mindset is all about competing, and I think that's exactly where his mindset should be.
"We're excited about the position he's put himself in with the work he's done this offseason to, number one, get healthy. Number two, improve upon some things that he really wanted to improve upon, and we don't get to watch all of his workouts. I've got a good view, and he's definitely excited, and I think he has reason to be.
"Yes, there has been good communication, and we're excited about Trey's ability to go compete for a job."
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Lynch says there has been "a lot of smoke" in the reported communication with other teams.
"It hasn't been extremely active, and it's not like we've put it out there that, 'Hey, we're taking offers for Trey. Call 1-800 ... .' That's not been the process," Lynch explained. "People's job in this is to ask questions. Has that been what has that happened on a couple of occasions? Sure, but it hasn't been that substantive.
"And like I said, we're focused, as is Trey, on his ability to compete and play an integral role on this team. Last year we needed five (quarterbacks). And so we value every single one of those guys and we're excited about our group. We really are."
A reporter asked the general manager if he expects Lance to be on the 49ers' roster in 2023.
"Yeah, absolutely," Lynch responded. "I expect Trey to be here, and we're excited about Trey's ability to compete and what he can do for our franchise, just as we were when we drafted Trey. I think the only thing that's changed this offseason is that Trey's gone and got himself healthy. He was injured last year. He's done a really good job of doing that.
"He's done some different things in terms of his training this offseason. He's very encouraged by that, and we'll see when we get an opportunity to get out there on the field with him. But we have every reason to be encouraged as well."
Lance and the 49ers started their offseason program last week. The quarterback will return to the practice field on May 22 for organized team activities.
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