49ers news: Arik Armstead says it’s time for Trey Lance to take over

49ers defensive tackle Arik Armstead might have been looking to enjoy an NBA game, but his thoughts on NBC Sports California centered on quarterback Trey Lance.

You’ve got to give San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Arik Armstead a lot of credit for sticking to his roots.

The Sacramento, California native has never shied away from his adoration for his hometown, particularly his community involvement that helped him receive back-to-back nominations by the Niners for the annual Walter Payton Man of the Year award.

Although it certainly has to be rough for him to be a fan of the Sacramento Kings, who fell in another embarrassing showdown to the New York Knicks, losing 131-115 at Golden 1 Center on Monday night.

Yet the Kings’ seemingly endless woes are a problem Armstead doesn’t have to think about much beyond his fandom.

Still, it’s only natural the Kings broadcasting crew at NBC Sports California asked him about the situation San Francisco is dealing with at quarterback, particularly the future with 2021 rookie Trey Lance.

Arik Armstead feels Trey Lance is ready to lead 49ers

Armstead joined NBC Sports California’ pregame crew before the Kings loss to New York, and TV analyst Matt Barnes had to prompt the question about Lance, specifically whether or not he felt the No. 3 overall pick from last year’s NFL Draft was ready to embrace a starter’s role:

“I think so,” Armstead responded. “That’s going to be the plan going into the season, and Trey is a young guy who’s very talented and has a great demeanor. He came in and didn’t say too much, was willing to learn and trying to figure out how to play the position. I’m excited to see it.”

For almost all of 2021, Lance’s rookie year, the bulk of 49ers players were also excited about Lance but felt the No. 1 spot on the depth chart rightfully belonged to the incumbent veteran, Jimmy Garoppolo, who’s expected to be dealt this offseason to open up the door for Lance.

Some, like tight end George Kittle, were openly vehement in their defense of Jimmy G in the months after the Niners aggressively traded up for Lance.

Once San Francisco moves on from Garoppolo, however, players like Kittle will have little choice but to fully embrace Lance.

Armstead also added nothing but great things in additional praise for Garoppolo, though, but it certainly appears as if the 49ers’ standout defensive tackle has a clear perspective on what’ll take place in Santa Clara this offseason.

Lance is the future, and Armstead is fully embracing it moving forward.