NFL Rumors: San Francisco 49ers Fielding Trade Offers for Quarterback

The San Francisco 49ers may put an end to their quarterback controversy before it gets started. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the team is entertaining potential trade inquiries over quarterback Trey Lance.

Sources: The #49ers have received inquiries from several teams looking into a potential trade for former No. 3 pick QB Trey Lance. The conversations have been the result of SF fielding the calls, not making them, with teams aware that Brock Purdy is likely the future starter. pic.twitter.com/ddOZjZq5Xn
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 19, 2023

Lance opened up 2022 as the 49ers' starting quarterback, but a broken ankle in Week 2 quickly put an end to his season. His absence allowed for the eventual emergence of rookie Brock Purdy, who won his first seven career starts while managing an impressive 107.3 passer rating over 170 regular season passes.

Purdy tore his UCL in the NFC Championship game, but conflicting timelines quickly emerged regarding when he would be ready for football activities. The 49ers even entertained the possibility Lance had a chance to win the starting job. However, a recent update suggested there is optimism Purdy will be healthy in time for training camp, potentially putting an end to Lance's bid before it can begin. The 49ers signed Sam Darnold earlier this offseason for backup duties.

Lance has seen extremely limited action since coming into the league as the 49ers' third-overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, totalling 797 passing yards and 235 rushing yards in eight appearances over his two seasons. He hasn't been bad; he simply hasn't played. He still has all the tools and promise that made him a high pick, so he should have plenty of value to the right team. Something like the second-round pick the San Francisco 49ers surrendered for Jimmy Garoppolo in 2017 could be fair compensation.

Given Lance still has two years left on a relatively affordable rookie contract (not to mention a fifth-year option), he could be a good fit for a competitive team looking to upgrade on a veteran quarterback in the near future. Teams like the Minnesota Vikings, Washington Commanders, and Tennessee Titans could all make some sense.