The 49ers have received inquiries from several teams wanting to trade for Trey Lance
The former No. 3 overall pick continues to slide into murky waters.
Though the San Francisco 49ers have expressed belief in Trey Lance, it was reported on Wednesday that the team has also received trade "inquiries" from around the league for the former No. 3 overall pick's services.
The news comes from a source with knowledge of the situation who told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport that the 49ers hadn't made the calls themselves, but teams have reached out about a potential trade based on expectations that Brock Purdy will continue to be the franchise's future starter once he is healthy.
"Sources: The #49ers have received inquiries from several teams looking into a potential trade for former No. 3 pick QB Trey Lance," Rapoport tweeted. "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," Rapoport tweeted. While no trade is imminent, and the #49ers would almost certainly want to make sure Brock Purdy's rehab continues to go as smoothly as it's been going, the interest from other teams in Lance has been there."
There was no mention specifically of the teams that reached out to the 49ers. But no deal feels close because just last month 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said he expected both Lance and Sam Darnold to take reps with the first-team offseason while Purdy recovers from surgery this offseason, according to the Athletic's David Lombardi.
Additionally, the 49ers' front office said they like what they have in Lance in March. It feels hard to fathom the team heading in a different direction without a convincing offer that allows them to part with the player they have invested years into developing before he ever plays a full season as the starter.
However, the Niners' front office also mentioned their affinity for Purdy. Specifically, John Lynch said he believes Purdy will be the locker room leader heading into next season if he is healthy.
It appears as though the 49ers have traded one quarterback controversy for another. Right after finally clearing the air with Jimmy Garoppolo, now it is Lance who will constantly be put in trade rumors.
The saying goes, if you have two quarterbacks, you really have none. That has been the story of the Niners for the past three seasons. And it looks like heading into 2023, it will be more of the same.
