3 changes we’ll see from 49ers offense with Trey Lance under center

The 49ers offense won’t be anywhere close to identical with Trey Lance starting this year in contrast to 2021, so let’s look at some possible changes.

There are a number of reasons why the San Francisco 49ers are making the paradigm-shift move from veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to the 2021 No. 3 overall NFL Draft pick, Trey Lance.

While head coach Kyle Shanahan quoted Garoppolo’s injuries as a prime reason why the Niners made this blockbuster move early during the 2021 offseason, the fact is Shanahan understands all the limitations Garoppolo has.

Additionally, San Francisco can look forward to building up the best roster possible while Lance spends the next three or four years on his more-affordable rookie contract. If the 49ers want to take advantage of this and maintain a large Super Bowl window, this will have to be the approach.

Lance, who only saw two starts his rookie year while the Niners retained Garoppolo in a starter’s role, had his up-and-down moments.

With a full year under his belt, Shanahan and Co. will hope to eventually take advantage of the skills and abilities Lance offers while absorbing the inevitable learning-curve bumps and bruises along the way.

Shanahan will change the offense, too. The system won’t be identical to what San Francisco operated with Garoppolo, namely due to Jimmy G’s own limitations.

But what will those changes be? How can Shanahan fully exploit and take advantage of what Lance potentially offers to the 49ers offense?

Let’s break down three specific changes and developments we may see with Lance fully entrenched as the starter in 2022 and beyond.