Here’s why Brock Purdy won’t force 49ers to trade Trey Lance

Reason No. 4: 49ers want the competition between Trey Lance, Brock Purdy

Sure, San Francisco could go after a high-profile quarterback this offseason, perhaps landing a future Hall of Famer in Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers.

Neither is likely, though.

If the 49ers instead traded Trey Lance away, Brock Purdy would either be joined by a journeyman backup or another Purdy-like late-round rookie draft pick, and the chances of that player having a Purdy-like ascent would be exceptionally slim, especially considering it already happened once for the Niners.

At any rate, Lance has to feel the pressure entering year three of his pro career, and now, the starting job is no longer within his grasp. He’s lost it, even if injuries are the prime reason why.

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That said, Purdy is anything but proven, and Lance gunning to regain his status as QB1 during the offseason and into training camp is the best possible outcome to sharpen both quarterbacks.

Perhaps Purdy still emerges from that competition as the starter, but it would ultimately make Lance a better player, too.

And having Lance in that situation, even as a backup, is something San Francisco would easily entertain next season.