What's next for Trey Lance at the 49ers?

Trey Lance was set to make his mark in the NFL after he was named the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers ahead of Jimmy Garoppolo at the start of the 2022 season. He never knew that his season would end after two games.

Selected as the third overall pick in 2021, Lance spent his rookie season as a backup quarterback, starting only two games. An ankle injury against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2 of the 2022 season denied him the opportunity to establish himself as a starter.

The situation has pretty much changed in the 49ers' signal-caller role since Lance was last on the field. Garoppolo is no longer around. The starting quarterback was ironically drafted as "Mr. Irrelevant". So, what's next for Trey Lance at the 49ers?

The Dramatic Rise of Brock Purdy

NFC Divisional Playoffs - Dallas Cowboys v San Francisco 49ers

One of the most iconic stories to tell in the 2022 season was that of Brock Purdy. The quarterback was selected as the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. With much not expected from him, Purdy has defied the odds to do the impossible in the NFL.

Purdy was a third-string quarterback on the 49ers' roster at the start of the 2022 season. However, injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo along the line gave Purdy a chance as a starter. The quarterback definitely made use of the golden opportunity judiciously.

Purdy took the league by storm with impressive displays, winning all five regular-season games he started. He became a crucial force in the 49ers' offense, leading them to the championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Ahead of the 2023 season, it pretty much seems the 49ers will stick to Purdy as their starting quarterback.

What does the Future Hold for Trey Lance?

San Francisco 49ers Training Camp

The acquisition of Trey Lance by the San Francisco 49ers involved a gamble on their future. Now, with two seasons passing without any notable success, uncertainty is beginning to set in. He has to fight for the team’s starting role with a grossly unrated talent.

Head Coach Kyle Shanahan has established himself as someone who disregards a player's draft position in making selections. Instead, his priority lies in achieving victories. He has demonstrated that he will field whoever he thinks can help him achieve that goal.

There is a high possibility that Lance won’t get the starting role for the upcoming season, in which case, the next course of action would likely be to trade him to a team in need of a quarterback. It appears improbable that the 49ers would have both Lance and Purdy competing for the starting position next season.