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!
Arik Armstead talks Steve Wilks, Nick Bosa, Javon Hargrave, and 49ers' QB situation
By David Bonilla
May 30
Arik Armstead is looking forward to the upcoming season. There is a lot to look forward to. His San Francisco 49ers have been to the NFC Championship Game three times over the past four seasons. They once again have a competitive roster and look to make another run at a Super Bowl championship.
Armstead joined Adam Schefter on the ESPN insider's podcast, discussing several 49ers-related topics.
New defensive coordinator Steve Wilks
Steve Wilks replaces DeMeco Ryans as defensive coordinator. Armstead had nothing but praise for his former coordinator, who left to be the Houston Texans' head coach, but looks forward to working with Wilks.
Wilks isn't expected to make any drastic changes in his first season helming the 49ers defense.
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
What 49ers coach Brian Griese said about Brock Purdy, Trey Lance, and Sam Darnold
By David Bonilla
Jun 1
After last season, Brian Griese took some time to reflect on his first season as a quarterbacks coach for the San Francisco 49ers. He left a 13-season career as a television analyst to join head coach Kyle Shanahan's staff.
Ultimately, the coach decided that the job was fulfilling and opted to return for another season.
"This is an opportunity for me to embrace a new challenge in my life at this point in the journey, and I really appreciate that," Griese told reporters on Thursday. "I appreciate the opportunity. I think there are some experiences and unique skill sets that I have that can help, and I just love being a part of a team and competing and winning and
