San Francisco 49ers general manager spoke to reporters on Monday morning. As expected, the team's quarterback situation came up. Reporters were particularly inquisitive about the perceived progress of the 49ers' former No. 3 overall pick, Trey Lance.
Lance started only four games in his first two NFL seasons—two as a rookie and two last season before suffering a season-ending ankle injury. The third-year quarterback is finally healthy and looking to secure the QB2 job behind likely starter Brock Purdy.
"A lot's been chronicled of him working with [private QB coach] Jeff Christensen, and there's all kinds of different gurus and specialists for these guys to go through," Lynch said, speaking about Lance's offseason efforts. "I was really proud Trey took the initiative. I've talked with Trey. I won't get into the details because I'm not exactly sure on how it all happened, but I was proud that it was something that he sought out.
"And then, I think in the past, maybe Trey was working with multiple people. It's like trying to work with multiple golf coaches. Signals can get mixed. And I think he decided, 'All right, I got to find one that I vibe with the best and roll with that.' And I think they did some great work."
What aspects of the young quarterback's game have significantly improved?
"I think he's throwing the football a lot better," Lynch shared. "His base is better, some of his mechanics are better. Those things are showing up on the field. So I'm not just proud of him for his attitude and his leadership, his resiliency. I'm proud for what I'm seeing out there.
"And I know there's been a lot of talk about the opportunities he's not getting. I'm proud of him for what he's doing with the opportunities he is getting. And there's a plan. He'll continue to earn these opportunities, and he'll have plenty to show who he is. He can't get enough, there's no doubt about that."
Lynch pointed back to last offseason, when Purdy was at the bottom of the quarterback depth chart, getting only a handful of practice reps. However, the then-rookie made those reps count and showed the coaches enough potential to keep him on the 53-man roster.
"I think everybody understands that we've got a really good group," Lynch continued. "I like the way that group is progressing and really believe, especially with Brock and the build-up program, there's going to be days where he's not out, there's going to be ample opportunities for each of these guys to show who they are. And it will even get better as we start getting into pads. And then the next step, playing preseason games, preparing for opponents and all that."
Keeping 4 quarterbacks?
Head coach Kyle Shanahan recently didn't dismiss the possibility of the 49ers keeping four quarterbacks on the roster. He didn't say that would happen, either, but failing to shoot down the possibility was enough to generate some headlines. On Monday, Lynch was asked the same question, acknowledging that last season's poor luck might impact future plans.
"I think four on a 53 would be very challenging," Lynch said. "Four in the building is certainly possible ... I think we just want to throw it all out there, let things unfold, and then we'll figure out the details as we go. We're all a product of our experiences, and that experience wasn't real cool last year. Seeing when you run out at that position, that's not a good feeling. And so I think we'll be forever impacted with that going forward, and we'll be mindful."
No teams have called
Lynch was also asked if any teams have come calling about one of his four quarterbacks. There has been some speculation that the Niners might be willing to move one, assuming the price was right.
The G.M. stated that no one had called yet.
"But I think we're at the point of camp where everyone's kind of feeling out who they have, and that hasn't happened," Lynch added.