It’s been nearly a full year since Trey Lance was set to take over under center for the 49ers ahead of the 2022 NFL season. But with everything that’s happened at the quarterback situation in San Francisco since that point, it feels much longer.
Fans are long removed from Lance as the team’s QB1, potential franchise quarterback and a player surrounded by a massive amount of buzz and excitement. Brock Purdy has since emerged as the clear-cut starter for the 49ers, while Lance is competing with another former first-round draft pick in Sam Darnold for the backup quarterback job.
Although taking public criticism has seemingly become part of an NFL quarterback’s job, Lance has certainly taken his fair share. And the latest comments made by former NFL executive Michael Lombardi on the GM Shuffle podcast were enough to grab the attention of any NFL fan.
“At the end of the day, when his momma lifted him from the crib, he just didn’t have that quarterback instinct,” Lombardi said of Lance. “...He is not going to be the backup quarterback. I don’t know what they’re going to do with him, but there’s no chance, there is no chance. Based on the evidence that I’ve seen and based on what I’ve heard.”
The reality of Trey Lance: if a play doesn't goes the way he practiced, it breaks down. When his mom lifted him up from the crib, he didn't have that QB instinct. He won't win the backup QB spot based on what I've seen and heard.
— Michael Lombardi (@mlombardiNFL) August 15, 2023
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Lance was the No. 3 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and started four games over two seasons for the 49ers. The former North Dakota State standout showed flashes of the upside he put on display in college during his first two starts in 2021, completing 41-of-71 passes for 603 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions. He also tacked on 168 rushing yards and one touchdown over that stretch as well.
The hype cooled off quite a bit though during Lance’s two starts under center to begin the 2022 season. He completed just 15-of-31 passes for 194 yards with no touchdowns and one interception prior to suffering a season-ending ankle injury.
