"Yeah, I'm worried about my own team," a dismissive Payton told reporters. "I'm not worried about Trey Lance."
While the Broncos head coach couldn't be bothered with a question about a player on another roster, Denver's starting quarterback was more than willing to discuss the former No. 3 overall pick, a player who many have already given up on.
"The thing about Trey that people have to understand is that I believe he's [23] years old," Russell Wilson said. "The guy got drafted at 20 years old with the weight of the world on his shoulders. I think that the thing about it is he's a tremendous football player. He's got a lot of gifts, he's got a lot of talent, and it's going to turn for his good.
"Trey's a guy that's worked at his craft, watching him and just all the things he's done. But also, the best thing that Trey can do is ignore the noise. There's only so many people in the world that get to play this position. There's only so many people in the world that get to step in between the white lines on a National Football League field. He's one of them."
Lance entered last season as the 49ers' starting quarterback. That ended with a season-ending ankle injury during Week 2. Now, he finds himself battling Sam Darnold for the backup job behind last season's rookie sensation, Brock Purdy.
Lance had an unimpressive outing against the Las Vegas Raiders in the Niners' preseason opener. He struggled early against the Denver Broncos but finished strong, leading San Francisco on an eight-play, 64-yard game-winning drive capped off by a 32-yard Jake Moody field goal. Lance finished the game among Pro Football Focus' highest-graded 49ers players, finishing the night 12-of-18 for 173 yards, one touchdown, and an interception.
"He's a guy that's going to have a great career," Wilson continued. "He's just got to keep working at it and know that there's going to be some tough days, there's going to be some great days. It's one of those things that you just trust the process. You trust the process, you enjoy the journey, and you have tunnel vision. You put the blinders on, you keep working, and there's always a breakthrough."
Whatever happens to Lance in the future, the young quarterback has a fan in the nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback.
Wilson added, "I'm rooting for him. I think he's got a lot of talent, a lot of ability, and a lot of years left."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' Mac Jones has no regrets about his contract decision
Mac Jones could have positioned himself for a sizable payday this offseason had he signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers instead of the two-year contract he agreed to last year. After spending a season under head coach Kyle Shanahan, however, the veteran... -
49ers veteran assesses young D-linemen CJ West, Gracen Halton
San Francisco 49ers rookie defensive tackle Gracen Halton, a fourth-round draft pick, was already familiar with his new teammate, Osa Odighizuwa, before arriving in Santa Clara. As he prepares for the 2026 season, Halton hopes to learn from the veteran defensive lineman and... -
49ers' George Kittle gushes over Mike Evans' early impact
As Mike Evans approached free agency, the prospect of joining the San Francisco 49ers intrigued him. Before making his decision, the veteran wide receiver reached out to tight end George Kittle, who has spent his entire NFL career with the organization. Kittle gave Evans a... -
Dez Bryant: Arrest warrant for 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk an attempt to 'smear his name'
An arrest warrant has been issued for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk on a misdemeanor charge of exhibition of speed after he posted a video in December showing himself driving at speeds exceeding 100 mph near Levi's Stadium. The incident occurred during a...