San Francisco 49ers starting QB in 2023: Trey Lance or Brock Purdy?

The San Francisco 49ers were dealt some terrible misfortune with injuries to four of their quarterbacks this season. However, Kyle Shanahan will have some tough decisions to make over who gets the nod at the position next season.

Prior to the start of the 2022 campaign, the Niners confirmed that Trey Lance would be their first-choice quarterback. Unfortunately, the 22-year-old broke his ankle in Week 2 and was ruled out for the rest of the season.

Jimmy Garoppolo then replaced Lance but broke his foot in Week 12, leading to another season-ending injury. However, San Francisco's third-string quarterback Brock Purdy went on to lead the team to seven straight wins.

In that period, the Niners clinched their divisional title and made it to the NFC Championship game as well. The team's offense looked as good as ever with the rookie leading the plays.

Purdy threw for a total of 1,374 yards and 13 touchdowns during the regular season after replacing Garoppolo. The 23-year-old continued his impressive run in the postseason, racking up four touchdowns in the Wild Card game against the Seattle Seahawks.

He then led the team to victory over the Dallas Cowboys when he threw for 214 yards on 19 passes. However, Purdy failed to register a touchdown against Dallas.

Unfortunately, he suffered an elbow injury in the clash against the Philadelphia Eagles and was replaced by Josh Johnson.

The 36-year-old was on the field for less than two quarters before being taken off after he suffered a concussion. Purdy replaced Johnson for the remainder of the game despite an injured arm as the Niners bowed out of the playoffs.

Nonetheless, Purdy's impressive displays will certainly give the organization food for thought. He took the team within touching distance of a Super Bowl appearance before an unfortunate injury derailed his NFC Championship outing.

Fortunately for the San Francisco 49ers, they have time and a cohesive training camp to decide their starting quarterback for the 2023 season.

Will the San Francisco 49ers offload Jimmy Garoppolo in the offseason?

San Francisco 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo

The San Francisco 49ers already have two highly-talented young quarterbacks at their disposal in Lance and Purdy. The former is signed through to the 2024 season and the team has an option for another year. Meanwhile, Purdy is signed to the team until 2025.

According to reports, the franchise is not planning to keep Jimmy Garoppolo for the 2023 season. The 31-year-old will enter free agency in the offseason. Garoppolo is unlikely to get a new deal with the Niners, which could spell the end of his five seasons with the team.