The San Francisco 49ers have entrenched themselves in quarterback controversy for yet another offseason after starter Brock Purdy suffered a torn UCL that is expected to sideline him for six months, while the team signed former Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold to compete with 2021 No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance.
There have been several rumors that have floated around regarding Lance's future with the 49ers after the arrival of Darnold, but several of them were squashed when the organization elected against moving their former first-round pick during the 2023 NFL Draft, keeping both quarterbacks for the beginning of the offseason program.
As organized team activities(OTAs) begin, Lance and Darnold are fighting for what could be the Week 1 starting job, depending on Purdy's health, raising questions for how the quarterback situation will play out in a crucial year for San Francisco in regards to their championship window.
That leads to the question: what is the best situation for Trey Lance and the 49ers?
Lance has faced an unfavorable situation since entering the NFL: a finger injury derailed his rookie campaign when he was the backup to Jimmy Garoppolo, while a fractured ankle erased his sophomore season after starting the first five quarters of the year.
However, with Purdy entering this offseason recovering from injury, Lance has another opportunity to prove himself in a competition with Darnold, and it seems likely that one of the latter two start Week 1 for the 49ers, given the former's six-month injury timeline and Kyle Shanahan's estimation of a return between six to eight months during the NFL annual meetings.
Now, Lance has a steep task ahead of him to earn the starting quarterback spot, given what Purdy accomplished through his short tenure as the top signal-caller, but a strong offseason mixed with a good start to the season may prove to be enough to retain his role, should his play not waver.
While some have questioned the 49ers' approach to placing Lance in a competition with Darnold, who has struggled in the NFL with 55 starts under his belt, the former shouldn't have an issue winning the job if his talent can be met with consistency, the main issue plaguing the young North Dakota State product through limited action.
But, if Lance doesn't win the starting job for Week 1 against Darnold, or isn't given a fair shot to win the battle, the quarterback should look to request a trade, as his time in San Francisco is all but over.
The 49ers shouldn't value Lance's draft status two years into his career, but the unfortunate path that has cost him significant game experience should be factored in.
Despite his unspectacular career thus far, Darnold has received praise from top analysts such as NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, as reports have surfaced that an environment like the 49ers could be the best scenario to reviving the 25-year-old quarterback's career.
Regardless, the 49ers' quarterback situation is certainly one to monitor, both in OTAs and in training camp, as the decision for San Francisco's Week 1 starter could change the futures of multiple quarterbacks on the roster.
You are the only ones making controversy out of nothing burgers. They have 3 QB's who will compete in the off season. That is how good coaching works you dipsheet!
49ers insider offers analysis from glimpse of Trey Lance and Sam Darnold
By David Bonilla
May 25
It's premature to draw conclusions about a quarterback based on practices in May. That is especially true when you do so based on one practice. The San Francisco 49ers started organized team activities (OTAs) this week, and all eyes were on Trey Lance and Sam Darnold.
The two players are battling for that QB2 job behind last season's rookie sensation, Brock Purdy. One could even start Week 1 if Purdy is not healthy enough to do so himself.
Lance is coming off a season-ending ankle injury but looks completely healthy now. Darnold is trying to turn his career around after never living up to his high draft status.
Matt Barrows of The Athletic was on hand for Tuesday's practice, the only one open to reporters so far, and one that Barrows describes as a
Is 49ers QB Trey Lance getting better? And is it because of his new teacher? One expert shares his thoughts
By Marc Adams
May 25
Sometimes who is teaching is as important as what is being taught
Earlier this week, when the San Francisco 49ers opened up an OTAs session to the media, most of the eyes, in person and online, were on third-year quarterback Trey Lance's new delivery. Lance, of course, had been working with QB guru, Jeff Christensen, and thanks to some leaked footage of Lance throwing with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, along with a very well-timed piece by Matt Barrows in The Athletic, there was plenty of
Everything Kyle Shanahan, Brock Purdy, Trey Lance, and Sam Darnold said at 49ers OTAs
By Site Staff
May 23
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and quarterbacks Brock Purdy, Trey Lance, and Sam Darnold spoke with reporters after Tuesday's practice, the second of organized team activities (OTAs). Here is everything they had to say.
Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff.
Head Coach Kyle Shanahan
WR Jauan Jennings was working on the side field, did he have any issues?
"He just had a little tightness. We're being safe with him. Same with [WR Brandon Aiyuk] B. A., both of them, same boat."
What's the thought process behind that last drill that you guys do? 11-on-11, no helmets.
"Just try to ease them into that. It's something that I never
Graziano: 49ers' shaky QB situation creates 'stiffest test yet' for Kyle Shanahan
By David Bonilla
May 18
Kyle Shanahan and the San Francisco 49ers are no strangers to quarterback drama. In his first season as head coach, Shanahan went with Brian Hoyer and drafted C.J. Beathard. Hoyer didn't make it through an entire season with the team, and the 49ers let Beathard leave via free agency in 2021.
While holding out hope for Kirk Cousins, the New England Patriots offered up Jimmy Garoppolo. He couldn't stay healthy, though, creating even more drama. The 49ers repeatedly tried to move off of Garoppolo, flirting with nearly every available quarterback until the two finally parted ways this offseason.
Last year, San Francisco drafted what it assumed to be the quarterback of the future—Trey Lance. The former No. 3 overall pick has started just four games in his two
