The San Francisco 49ers have three realistic options at quarterback heading into 2023: Brock Purdy, Trey Lance and Sam Darnold. Right now there’s a favorite to get the job to start the season though.
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, Purdy is the “clear-cut starter” if he’s healthy. Though Graziano also pointed out that Purdy is not healthy, which is what makes this an issue in the first place.
“This could be the stiffest test yet for Kyle Shanahan’s ability to win in spite of a shaky quarterback situation. Purdy and Lance are both coming off season-ending injuries. Lance is likely to be back sooner, but he still hasn’t shown much, and it’s possible newcomer Darnold (yes, same guy) could be the Week 1 starter,” Graziano wrote.
Suffice it to say, the real controversy is going to be between Lance and Darnold if Graziano is correct.
The #49ers expect Brock Purdy to be ready for Training Camp — so what do they do with Sam Darnold and Trey Lance? Could there really be a QB competition?#NFL #NFLScheduleRelease #FTTB pic.twitter.com/cgpVijJRzG
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) May 11, 2023
Trey Lance was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft but has struggled to play well or stay healthy in his two NFL seasons. But the 49ers would probably be loathe to move off from someone they invested so much draft capital in after just two seasons.
Sam Darnold was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft but has effectively wasted five years of development languishing on the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers.
Brock Purdy had an incredible rookie season after taking over in the middle of the season, leading the 49ers all the way to the NFC Championship Game before an injury ended his chances to see them through to the Super Bowl.
Which of the three will be the starter?