49ers offseason: 3 sneaky needs for San Francisco in 2022
By Peter Panacy
49ers sneaky need No. 2: Backup quarterback
San Francisco is poised to trade veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo this offseason, fully opening up the door for Trey Lance to take over as its prime signal-caller for the long haul.
While Lance has all the tools to potentially become elite, it’s important to note his experience (including at the collegiate level) is awfully limited. Attempting just 318 passes, which included only one full year as a starter at North Dakota State, the 21-year-old Lance needs a mentor.
A role Garoppolo will assuredly vacate this offseason.
This is a case where the 49ers will surely turn to free agency to solve the need, potentially re-onboarding last year’s No. 3 quarterback on the depth chart, Nate Sudfeld, or possibly looking to a journeyman veteran.
Read More: 5 quarterbacks Niners may sign to back up Trey Lance
One hot name to watch is veteran signal-caller Tyrod Taylor, particularly in the wake of the Niners naming former Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn as their new assistant head coach to Kyle Shanahan.
Whether it’s Taylor or someone else with a lengthy pedigree, San Francisco can’t overlook the need to find someone who can prop Lance up when things get tough.