Despite the small sample size from the soon-to-be-second-year quarterback, ESPN's Booger McFarland sounds very concerned about Lance—and possibly Kyle Shanahan's and John Lynch's jobs.
"Of all the rookie quarterbacks last year, I am the most concerned about Trey Lance, and that includes Justin Fields," McFarland said on ESPN's NFL Live (h/t Alek Arend of The Spun). "I just think, from an injury standpoint, he didn't prove he can stay healthy. From a quarterback standpoint, I didn't see enough to say, 'You know what? We can build around X, Y, Z.'"
The 49ers are expected to part ways with last year's starting quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, ushering in the Lance era in Santa Clara. The 21-year-old player entered the NFL with limited experience, having started just 17 games during his collegiate career and playing in just one game in the 15 months leading to the draft.
San Francisco drafted Lance on potential, opting to sit the quarterback for most of the season, with Garoppolo serving as his mentor. While it was a development path that worked for the Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes, the decision was questioned by many.
Lance entered the season with a finger injury. In addition, he suffered a knee sprain during his first start. However, he wasn't the only rookie quarterback who dealt with injuries this past season. Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields dealt with a groin injury and cracked ribs. New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson missed four games because of a PCL sprain.
"I know Marcus [Spears] loves the athletic component," McFarland continued. "He's built physically, but those attributes got him hurt this year. I am terribly concerned about him, but if he doesn't pan out, Kyle Shanahan and/or John Lynch won't have a job because they went to Jed York and 49ers ownership and said, 'Hey, this is our guy.' So, he has to pan out. But I am truly, truly concerned about Trey Lance."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers insider explains why another blockbuster trade is unlikely
The San Francisco 49ers made a significant move this week, sending a 2027 fourth-round draft pick to the Indianapolis Colts for defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. The trade reunites the All-Pro with the team that selected him with the seventh overall pick in the 2016 NFL... -
49ers' John Lynch explains why the pass rush has improved in 2026
The San Francisco 49ers recorded an NFL-low 20 sacks in 2025, six fewer than the next-lowest total, posted by the New York Jets. Defensive end Nick Bosa has not played since Week 2 this season, raising concerns that his absence could similarly affect the 49ers' pass rush. Bosa... -
49ers get positive injury update on Christian McCaffrey after loss to Falcons
The San Francisco 49ers suffered their first loss of the 2026 season on Sunday, falling 29-20 to the Atlanta Falcons on the road and dropping to 6-1. However, there was some positive news following the Week 7 loss, as the 49ers appeared to avoid any significant new... -
49ers may discuss kicker situation after struggles
Saying kicker Eddy Piñeiro is struggling in his second season with the San Francisco 49ers would be an understatement. Entering Week 7's matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, the veteran had already missed three field goals and three extra points. Piñeiro missed...