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Trey Lance seems to have a lot of doubters this offseason. Many are questioning his readiness to be the starting quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, the team that drafted him No. 3 overall last year.
Yes, the All-Pro tight end acknowledges that there could be some growing pains for the young quarterback this season. Lance, after all, started only two games as a rookie and played just 178 snaps. Kittle also realizes the talent level of the 49ers roster. That talent could carry the second-year passer should there be any early struggles.
"If that's how it shakes down, and Trey Lance is the starter, I'm excited about it," Kittle said Friday on The Rich Eisen Show. "The things that he brings to the table in his athleticism and his rocket-cannon of an arm, it's going to be really fun.
"And it also will be interesting to me. It's going to be a completely different quarterback than Jimmy [Garoppolo], who's great at his drop, has a quick release. Trey's going to be a little bit more exciting in the fact that he's going to be extending plays a lot longer, using his legs to make up some stuff."
In addition to his 603 passing yards, five passing touchdowns, and two interceptions, Lance also carried the football 38 times for 168 yards and a rushing score. By comparison, Garoppolo has carried the football 117 times for 182 rushing yards in five seasons with the 49ers.
"I'm looking forward to it because it feels like it's going to be a different offense with Trey at the helm," Kittle continued, "and it's something I'm looking forward to, and just the opportunities that come with that. It's going to be pretty exciting."
What does Kittle say to Lance's doubters?
"Last year, he was a 21-year-old rookie," Kittle shared. "He just needs reps, and he's getting those reps right now at OTAs. He's going to be throwing the ball a lot. And once he's comfortable with Coach Shanahan's system—because there's a lot going on [and] it's hard to quarterback [in it]—like I said, I'm excited to see Trey Lance play football because of the things I do see in practice, the throws that he does make, how he extends the plays, just his vision. It's going to be really fun.
"Whether there's growing pains or not, it's going to be a fun ride because of the things that he can do."
"Thank God for Mr. Irrelevant": John Lynch reflects on 49ers drafting Trey Lance
By David Bonilla
22 hrs
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
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Brock Purdy isn't one to seek the spotlight. He exudes politeness, respect, and an even-keeled demeanor when speaking to reporters during interviews. Nothing we've seen from the San Francisco 49ers quarterback's time off the field would indicate that it's a facade.
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49ers sign WR Trent Taylor, reuniting with former draft pick
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The San Francisco 49ers announced the signing of wide receiver Trent Taylor to a one-year deal, reuniting with the team's former fifth-round draft pick out of Louisiana Tech.
Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area was the first to report that the 49ers were discussing a potential reunion with Taylor. The receiver was part of head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch's first draft class in 2017 and spent his first four NFL seasons with the team.
The #49ers are talking with free-agent slot receiver/return man
Draft Watch: Western Kentucky WR Malachi Corley visiting 49ers on Wednesday
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The San Francisco 49ers are hosting several draft prospects this week as the deadline for pre-draft visits draws near. According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, the team will host former Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley on Wednesday.
Corley is expected to be a Day 2 pick. San Francisco owns two selections on Day 2—the No. 63 overall pick in the second round and the No. 94 overall pick in the third round. Currently, the receiver is visiting with the Seattle Seahawks.
Western Kentucky @WKUFootball receiver Malachi Worley
