The 49ers have a problem every team in the NFL wishes to have
With more than one capable quarterback, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is taking the diplomatic approach.
When looking at the state of the San Francisco 49ers, the team has a problem most NFL teams would dream to have — more than one capable quarterback.
On Thursday, when speaking to reporters, head coach Kyle Shanahan let the public in on what exactly he thinks of Trey Lance, Brock Purdy, and even Sam Darnold. What he said was diplomatic, but not necessarily untrue as the Niners prepare for a season chalked full of Purdy uncertainty, Lance's unknown standing, and Darnold's questionable consistency.
"I do believe we have three quarterbacks talent-wise who are all capable of being franchise-like quarterbacks," Shanahan said Thursday. "But that's just capable. … Brock's done that in his eight. And we have two other guys on our roster who we strongly believe can do that also."
Heading into last season, the Niners expected Lane to be the go-to franchise guy. His injury early in Week 2 changed the direction of his season and prevented the organization from getting a full look at the level of quarterback play he is capable of.
Then, late in the season, there was the assertion of Purdy, who proved himself capable of leading a winning ball club in the regular season and the playoffs.
To that, Shanahan possesses an awareness of how good Purdy can be but also knowledge of Lance's potential.
"We did expect Trey Lance (to be the man for a long time), and I think that he still can be," 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters. "You also don't expect the last pick in the draft to come in and play at that level."
Shanahan added: "I believe Trey would've gotten to a level where he would've done similar stuff. He missed that (opportunity), and Brock came in and did. I truly think Trey can go in and do that, but Brock's already done it, and that's a very good thing for us to have."
If Purdy is healthy, he clearly has the inside track to become the team's long-term answer at starting quarterback. However, Lance is still waiting in the wings. And having two — maybe even three — competent quarterbacks isn't a bad problem to have for a team seeking a reliable identity at that position for seasons to come.
