Source: 49ers make Darnold No. 2 QB, will explore all Lance options

SANTA CLARA — Quarterback Trey Lance, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, currently is in a state of limbo with the 49ers. The team is in the process of "exploring all options," a source confirmed Wednesday morning to NBC Sports Bay Area. At this point, Lance could remain with the 49ers or be dealt elsewhere in a trade. His status remains unclear and undetermined as the 49ers are set to conclude their preseason on Friday night against the Los Angeles Chargers at Levi's Stadium. The NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport were first to report that the 49ers have decided on Sam Darnold to serve as the backup to Brock Purdy and Lance's future with the organization is "unclear." Darnold seemingly has won the backup job after a strong training camp. His vast NFL experience (55 starts) has given him an edge to fill a spot on the depth chart in which practice time is limited once the season begins. Darnold, the No. 3 overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, has been up-and-down in his five NFL seasons with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers. But coach Kyle Shanahan has spoken favorably of Darnold since he signed with the club in the offseason. "He's been real consistent...