Trey Lance has been in the spotlight all offseason, eventually losing a competition with Sam Darnold for the QB2 job behind starter Brock Purdy. When Purdy arrived to the San Francisco 49ers last year, he was able to lean on Lance, who was a year removed from his own experience as a rookie.
On Friday, the 49ers traded Lance to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a fourth-round pick, just hours before the team's preseason finale against the Los Angeles Chargers. After the game, Purdy had an opportunity to share some of his thoughts on the decision.
"Obviously, I love Trey, everything that he's done for this organization, and obviously for myself," Purdy told reporters. "I know I've told you guys a bunch of times before, but going in last year, and then him just being by my side from the get-go, sideline, meetings, in the locker room, wherever we're at, he's been a real one.
"[He] helped me come into the league, and welcomed me with open arms, and showed me the ropes to this whole thing. So can't tell you how grateful I am for him, and to have him in my life, and to be here with him. So, forever grateful for Trey.
"Obviously, in terms of the situation, happy for him that he's able to go into a good situation. We all feel like it's a good fit. But at the end of the day, I can't say how thankful I am to have played and been a teammate with Trey."
Lance entered last season as the 49ers' starting quarterback. However, a season-ending ankle injury during Week 2 derailed everything for the young player. Eventually, Purdy took over the starting role and never relinquished the job, even as he recovered from offseason surgery on his throwing arm.
Purdy had an opportunity to speak to Lance on Friday, after learning of the trade.
"I was able to go over and just tell him that I love him, and like I said, how appreciative that I am of him, everything that he's done for obviously myself and the team," Purdy shared. "So told him that I'm really happy for him and excited to see what he does with his opportunity and his career in the NFL."
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