The San Francisco 49ers effectively gave up three first-round draft picks in one of the biggest hauls in NFL trade history to select Trey Lance in 2021, but may already be ready to move on from him after just two starts, and are also willing to overlook Tom Brady in the process.
Whilst it's unfair to truly blame that on Lance, who sat behind Jimmy Garoppolo in his first season as a rookie after having little experience as a starter throughout his time in college. Garoppolo had been an accomplished starter for the Niners since 2017, but the team became frustrated with him for his lack of explosive plays in the offense - relying on the team's elite receiving options all too often.
Lance was projected to be the man to use both his legs and huge arm to push the Niners over the top, but he could now be made available for trade after the emergence rookie Brock Purdy, which also means the 49ers are unlikely to go after Brady.
The legendary quarterback is set to become a free agent this summer, with his hometown Niners team being an ideal spot for him to win a championship.
But Purdy's performances and have seen him play at a very high level, having been thrust into the starting line-up with limited reps with the first-team, and he could take an even bigger leap in year two.
That is clearly what the Niners are expecting, if this recent report is to be true, as Michael Silver from the San Francisco Chronicle has stated that the Niners will stick with Purdy as their man in 2023.
The report states: "Purdy has already “won” the quarterback battle with Lance for the 2023 season. That is despite the massive draft capital San Francisco used to acquire Lance.
"Kyle Shanahan trusts Purdy more than Lance and that is unlikely to change as the team goes through its offseason programs. Additionally, Silver mentioned that Purdy’s ascendance makes it less likely the 49ers go after Tom Brady in free agency."
Garoppolo is to become a free agent this off-season, and was never likely to remain with the team after they gave up so much to acquire Lance.
However, Shanahan did not rule out Jimmy G returning this season if they defeat the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, and could be in contention to play in the conference finals.
