“Earned the right” – 49ers GM provides huge update on Week 1 starter in Brock Purdy vs Trey Lance battle

The San Francisco 49ers will have a quarterback battle this offseason featuring Brock Purdy and Trey Lance.

The team traded three first-round draft picks in 2021 to trade up to acquire Lance. He was set to become the team's starting quarterback last campaign before suffering a season-ending ankle injury in Week 2.

Third-string quarterback Brock Purdy took over as the team's starter late into the season as backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a foot injury. He led the team to a 5-0 record and into the NFC Championship game.

Speaking to the media on Monday, March 27, 49ers general manager John Lynch eluded to Purdy heading into the season as the team's starter:

"I think Brock has earned the right with the way he played that he’s probably the leader in the clubhouse at that... If we were to line up, he’d probably take that first snap."

"We’ve always said we don’t care where you were drafted, if you were drafted, that’s always been our stance... We’re still very excited about Trey but I think the way Brock played, he probably has earned that right to be the guy."

Purdy went 5-0 as the team's starter while throwing for 1,374 yards, 13 touchdowns, four interceptions, and a rushing touchdown. He went 2-1 in the playoffs, posting a passer rating of 107.3, while throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for one.

Lance finished last season 1-1 while completing 48.4 of his pass attempts for zero touchdowns and an interception.

Could the San Francisco 49ers trade Trey Lance upon committing to Brock Purdy?

Trey Lance Seattle Seahawks v San Francisco 49ers

While the team seems committed to starting Brock Purdy, Lynch was asked if the team would trade Trey Lance. His reply was interesting:

"We listen to anything but we like Trey on our team. We’re very excited about the way he’s progressing, about his opportunity. I think he’s chomping at the bit to get back out there."

While it doesn't seem like the team is forcing a trade, it also seems like they would be open to dealing Lance if they get a good offer.

If the 49ers trade Lance, they will have traded three first-round picks for him to be replaced by a seventh-round rookie in his first year. An unusual set of circumstances to say the least.