Trey Lance on trade rumors: 'This is where I want to be'
Trey Lance answered the tough questions regarding a trade from the San Francisco 49ers with a take many wouldn’t expect.
Some would think former first-round selection and starting quarterback Trey Lance would want a fresh start.
He got injured in his second game as a starter during the 2022 season, and he watched Brock Purdy lead the San Francisco 49ers to an NFC Championship game before injuries completely derailed a team that could have won the Super Bowl.
Wanting a fresh start could be expected. In fact, a trade request from the Niners could be understood and rationalized, however, that is not the path Lance wants to take. When he was asked directly if he thought about seeking a trade, Lance doubled down on wanting to earn his starting spot back in San Francisco.
“No, not at all," Lance said when asked about wanting a fresh-start trade. "I knew where I wanted to be. I just want an opportunity to compete. I love it here. I love the coaching staff. I love working with [quarterbacks coach Brian] Griese and [assistant quarterbacks] Klay [Kubiak] and now [offensive passing game specialist] Klint [Kubiak] as well. Love the quarterback room, love the guys in the locker room. No doubt for me, this is absolutely where I want to be.”
Lance's words come as a slight shock. Throughout the early offseason, the Niners were actively shopping Lance. And it was reported that San Francisco was fielding calls from teams who wanted his services.
The team has gone out and gotten behind Brock Purdy, going as far as to guarantee his starting spot as long as he is healthy.
It is clear Lance, though liked in San Francisco, is no longer loved the same way he once was. But what is also clear, however, is that Lance is willing to do what it takes to prove himself and earn his starting role back throughout the offseason and in training camp.
“As far as the stuff with Brock, my opportunity is to come in to compete and that’s all I wanted,” Lance said to The Athletic. “So for me, I don’t want to take anything away from Brock and nobody should be able to take anything away from Brock. He did what he did last year and he deserves all the credit in the world for it. But for me, I just wanted an opportunity to compete.”
