Though the 49ers are publicly not giving up on Trey Lance, his confirmed relegation to the role of third-string quarterback has sparked discussion about what San Francisco could get in a potential trade.

San Francisco is reported to be exploring its options with the man they acquired with the third overall pick in the 2021 draft after trading three first-round picks to move up to that spot.

Having started only four games and dealt with several injuries in his NFL career, the stock of a quarterback who has delivered up-and-down performances in the preseason is perceived to be very low, but there are some in the NFL who believe the 49ers could get a day-two pick back in a trade of Lance.

The Athletic's Jeff Howe spoke with executives from eight NFL teams about a possible trade market for Lance. The responses were mixed, but the 49ers could serve to be encouraged by some of the more positive ones.

Howe wrote that three executives believed the Niners could get a third-round pick back for Lance, and perhaps even a second-rounder if they managed to do business with a desperate team. They pointed to his age, Lance is still only 23, and the upside that has been apparent when Lance has had the chance to flash the downfield throwing ability that was part of the reason the 49ers picked him over two years ago.

Others were much more skeptical, agreeing with the prevailing school of thought that San Francisco would be left to settle for a late day-three pick.

That would be a paltry return for a player for whom the 49ers were willing to trade the farm not too long ago. Lance has time on his side, but he needs to play for a team that has the patience to develop him.

The 49ers' status as perennial Super Bowl contenders means he will not get the reps he needs to develop with San Francisco, making a parting the most logical outcome for both sides. However, the Niners won't do a deal unless the feel they are recouping something close to value for a player who could still be an enticing project at quarterback. 

As such it may take something closer to the third-round end of the scale for the 49ers to be convinced to trade the man they once deemed the future of the franchise.

Trey Lance absent from 49ers practice after losing backup QB job

Talk of a trade will only grow.

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