49ers depth chart: 4 questions about 2021 quarterback room
By Peter Panacy
49ers QB Question No. 3: What if Jimmy Garoppolo loses camp battle to Trey Lance?
It’s abundantly clear the 49ers want Trey Lance to assume starting duties over Jimmy Garoppolo. The only matter is when that transition takes place.
Despite Lance’s quick ascent this offseason, the safe bet would probably be Garoppolo winning out the starting battle in training camp, thereby letting Lance develop for a year while being used solely for specific offensive packages here and there during the regular season.
But what if Lance absolutely takes over as QB1 by the time the preseason comes to a close?
Kyle Shanahan won’t hesitate to make the switch to Lance as soon as he feels the rookie gives the Niners as good a chance at winning games as Garoppolo.
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In that regard, San Francisco is playing the long game here. The hope is Lance can be that future centerpiece of the franchise, and getting the most out of him while he’s still on his rookie contract would exponentially expand the 49ers’ Super Bowl window, provided Lance winds up being “the real deal.”
If this happens right away and Lance takes over, the rookie will certainly have his growing pains in year one. But the potential excitement about how high his ceiling is going to be would all but quell any initial mistakes he makes under center.
That leaves Garoppolo’s future cloudy, though.