Another offseason, another quarterback controversy in San Francisco.
The 49ers signed former third-overall pick Sam Darnold to a one-year deal back in March. It made a bit of sense with both Brock Purdy and Trey Lance nursing injuries.
However, as the offseason continues to move along, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the 49ers’ quarterback situation is murky at best.
Audacy NFL Insider Ross Tucker joined “The 415ers” and explained why the 49ers putting so much stock in Darnold shows that they’ve soured on Lance.
“I think they’ve soured on him a little bit,” Tucker said of Lance (9:30 in player above). “Do I think that he’s a work in progress? Maybe, but he’s been there a decent amount of time now.”
Tucker pointed out that Lance has dealt with injuries and he may still need some development. But it doesn’t all add up.
“To pay the money they did for Sam Darnold, like decent money, to go out and get Sam Darnold – and maybe you can say that’s just because there are injury concerns for both Purdy and Lance, which I get,” Tucker continued. “Even if you feel like Trey Lance needs some development, they made the decision a year ago to go with Trey Lance as their starting quarterback. And now this year he’s not good enough to even be the backup?
“I’m sorry, but you can’t tell me they haven’t soured on him a little bit if he’s not even good enough to be the backup because it’s pretty clear from anyone you talk to that they like Sam Darnold more than Trey Lance, which I think is pretty alarming if you’re a Niners fan.”
Darnold struggled with the Jets before getting dealt to Carolina in 2021. He’s started 55 games in his career – 38 with the Jets and 17 with the Panthers – and has a 21-34 record in those contests.
If the 49ers think that Darnold gives them the best chance to win, trading up for Lance at the 2021 NFL Draft could be one of their worst mistakes in recent memory.
Related
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram