Brent Jones opens up regarding his opinion on the 49ers' QB situation
Former San Francisco 49ers tight end offers his perspective on the team’s quarterback situation.
One of Trey Lance or Sam Darnold may be starting come Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season.
With uncertainty still circulating about Brock Purdy and his availability at the start of the upcoming season, the San Francisco 49ers are looking at their pair of backups with an expectation of production.
Recently, former 49ers tight end Brent Jones went on KNBR and shared his thoughts about Lance and Darnold, and he admitted to being rather impressed with how Lance has conducted himself throughout the offseason.
"I love the way the kid has handled himself," Jones said on the Murph & Mac show. "There's been a lot of adversity for him as a young player, and he's kind of kept his mouth closed. He's just worked hard. He's said all the right things when asked—because that's a tough situation for a young, competitive guy."
Central to Lance's development has been his dedication to improving his throwing mechanics. Lance worked with private quarterback coach Jeff Christensen, who also works with Patrick Mahomes.
Jones was able to get a glimpse of Lance during his workouts, and by every measure, he was impressed.
"I know he's really worked on his throwing motion and his release," Jones said. "A lot of his footwork as well. And he has a great quarterback coach. … So I just view those things as being a net positive. He's not just sitting back and saying, 'Hey, I'll just rely on all my athletic ability.' He's going to work at getting better, and the better competition that we have at the quarterback spot, I just view that as a positive thing for the Niners and for Niner fans."
As for Darnold, Jones' analysis of the former Carolina Panthers quarterback remains more ambiguous. All of Doranold's shortcomings in Darnold's career have made Jones apprehensive to state that he believes he can live up to his potential. But Jones hasn't completely ruled out what he can be.
"Sam Darnold, I don't know," Jones said. "I thought early on in his career he could be something special. I know that he has all the skills in shorts, right? In seven-on-seven, Sam Darnold looks like a world-beater, but you got to be able to do it when you put on the pads and you're going against live bullets, and he hasn't proven that thus far in his career.
"So [he's] certainly a good guy to have on the squad. I don't think that hurts us in any way but it'll be interesting to see how it all evolves. Of course, I don't have a crystal ball, but I'm rooting for Brock Purdy to be 100 percent. Let's just see how these guys compete in training camp. It's going to be a day-in-and-day-out scenario."
All in all, there is a lot riding on Purdy coming back and being the quarterback he was in his rookie season. But if that doesn't happen, there is still a belief that Lance can be molded into a starting-caliber NFL quarterback.
Feature image via Chris Coduto-USA TODAY Sports.
