Opinion: Trey Lance is the 49ers’ future, but San Francisco is right not to rush rookie QB into starting role

The decision to trade up in the 2021 NFL Draft and select quarterback Trey Lance could have had significant consequences for general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan. With the team lacking first-round picks in the last two drafts due to this move, and Lance no longer on the roster after being traded to the Dallas Cowboys before last season, it's clear the gamble didn't unfold as expected. Lynch held his annual pre-draft press conference on Monday, reflecting on the decision to take such a big chance on Lance. While such a bold move might have jeopardized jobs elsewhere, Lynch and Shanahan were blessed with some good fortune in the 2022 NFL Draft. Acknowledging the support of the team's ownership, Lynch stated, "They believe in Kyle and I, and our

Speculation swirled about wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's future leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft. As the first round concluded, the rumors quieted. However, with wide receiver Ricky Pearsall selected at No. 31 overall, attention shifted to Deebo Samuel's future. It's Saturday morning, and Aiyuk and Samuel remain on the 49ers roster. Their status for the upcoming season seems unchanged. Yet, beyond that, uncertainty looms. ESPN's Dan Graziano delved into recent rumors surrounding the 49ers' receivers, suggesting that Pearsall's addition might indicate the team's preparation for a future without

Numerous NFL teams reportedly reached out to the San Francisco 49ers before and during the draft to inquire about the team's star wide receivers, Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. Josina Anderson of CBS Sports reports that the New England Patriots were among the teams that had "preliminary trade discussions" about Samuel. "In general, when teams explore potential transactions with other clubs, finding middle ground on compensation can be challenging," wrote Anderson. "There are always many considerable factors on why the price should possibly be one thing, or another." I'm told the

Ricky Pearsall, the new San Francisco 49ers wide receiver, was the No. 31 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Under the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which extends through the 2030 season, all rookie contracts are four years. Salaries for each draft slot are predetermined based on league revenue. OverTheCap.com projects Pearsall's four-year deal to have a total value of $12.54 million, including a signing bonus of $5.94 million, which will be prorated over the contract's duration. This amount is fully guaranteed. Pearsall's salary cap impact for the upcoming season is estimated to be approximately $2.28 million, gradually increasing to a $3.99 million salary cap hit in 2027. While these figures are projections and are subject to slight