The San Francisco 49ers front office has decided on the short-term future of one of their quarterbacks.
General manager John Lynch said on KNBR radio in San Francisco Thursday morning that Trey Lance is staying with the team ahead of the 2023 NFL season.
San Francisco is currently exploring several options, including a trade, but keeping Lance is the most likely path right now.
"We're very happy with Trey. The most likely option is that he's here. If we can find a landing spot for Trey that is a really good one for him and works for our organization, that's not something that we'd turn a blind eye to," the 51-year-old executive said.
However, moving the former third overall pick is not the front office's focus right now. Instead, they are looking forward to having the quarterback return to the squad and being the best football team in the league.
The 23-year-old was named the 49ers' third-string quarterback for the upcoming season after veteran Sam Darnold beat him for the backup spot. The decision was a particularly disappointing news for Lance, who was excused to clear his head during Wednesday's team practice.
Lynch said the two-time FCS champion handled his demotion well with class despite being devastated.
Lance was touted as the franchise's future star quarterback when he was selected by the 49ers in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the third overall pick.
He was named as a backup to Jimmy Garoppolo during his rookie season, but he finally assumed starting duties in 2022. However, his sophomore season was cut short after two games after sustaining a season-ending ankle injury.
The franchise has given its keys to Brock Purdy, who had a breakout season in 2022 and nearly led the team to a berth at the Super Bowl LVII.
Read more: Panthers RB Miles Sanders Will Play Season Opener After Picking Up Groin Injury In Training Camp
Sam Darnold was named as San Francisco's backup quarterback
Meanwhile, Darnold was signed by the Niners last March after Jimmy Garoppolo joined the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency during the early stages of the offseason.
Similar to Lance, he was selected by the New York Jets in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft with the third overall pick.
The 26-year-old served as the starting quarterback of the Jets during his three seasons with the team. He was traded to the Carolina Panthers ahead of the 2021 season.
Darnold was named as a starter in 11 of the 12 games he played for Carolina in 2021 before losing quarterback duties to new acquisition Baker Mayfield for the 2022 season. He started in six games for the Panthers last season.
The former USC player's two seasons in Carolina were marred by multiple injuries, including a fractured scapula (shoulder blade) in 2021 and a high ankle sprain in 2022.
Related Article: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Name Former First Over Pick Baker Mayfield as Starting Quarterback
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