The San Francisco 49ers are reportedly fielding calls from NFL teams interested in trading for quarterback Trey Lance
Lance, the No. 3 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has played in just eight games in his first two seasons. San Francisco packaged three first-round picks and additional assets to land him in 2021, with head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch identifying him as the next face of the franchise.
However, Lance has received limited opportunities through his first two seasons in the NFL. He backed up Jimmy Garoppolo in 2021 then entered last summer as the favorite to start. After struggling in rainy conditions in Week 1, Lance suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 2.
Injuries to Lance and Garoppolo opened the door for Brock Purdy to become the starter. Purdy went 5-0 in the regular season and took San Francisco to the NFC Championship Game. While he suffered an elbow injury that required surgery, he’s still viewed as the best quarterback on the roster and that is reportedly leading to trade calls on Lance.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the 49ers have received trade inquiries regarding Lance from other NFL teams. No deal is imminent, with San Francisco wanting insurance at quarterback because of Purdy’s injury.
However, per Rapoport, many teams around the NFL are keeping an eye on the situation. With Purdy viewed as the future long-term starter in San Francisco, other teams are interested in acquiring Lance at a discount from his status as a former top-three pick.
San Francisco also signed quarterback Sam Darnold this offseason. The former No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft is expected to receive first-team reps early in training camp this summer as Purdy works his way back from elbow surgery.
While the 49ers seem inclined to keep Lance for now, the willingness to field trade calls indicates there would be a willingness to move him if Purdy fully recovers and is cleared to throw this summer.
