Trey Lance might not get another chance with 49ers after 2023

Trey Lance once again finds himself in a situation where he must prove himself worthy as a 49ers starting quarterback, but will his time run out soon?

It always sounds cliche when someone says, “this year is absolutely crucial” for whatever player is being discussed.

However, for San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance, it’s undeniable.

Lance, the No. 3 overall pick from the 2021 NFL Draft and for whom the Niners surrendered a flurry of picks to obtain, has just four regular-season starts under his belt since that date. Being a backup to veteran signal-caller Jimmy Garoppolo in 2021 made plenty of sense, but Lance’s broken ankle in Week 2 of 2022, what was supposed to be his first full year as a starter, was absolutely devastating.

And it carries ramifications well beyond just the missed time and recovery.

The Niners now enter year three of Lance’s tenure. As was the case not long after he was drafted, the only logical response in analyzing his franchise-level impact is, “we don’t know yet.”

That might make sense after one year. After two, though? Time could be running out.

Let’s explain.

Trey Lance already has to climb out from under Brock Purdy’s shadow

Through no fault of his own, Lance having missed almost all of 2022 after hardly seeing the field the previous season only reinforces whatever rawness fans and pundits associated with his game.

Tack on the surprising emergence of 2022 rookie quarterback Brock Purdy, who entered in relief of an injured Garoppolo in Week 13 last year, and Lance’s stock value can’t be on the ascent whatsoever.

Especially with some like NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport all but crowning Purdy as San Francisco’s future starter going forward.

Now, Purdy is dealing with his own significant injury suffered during the 2023 NFC Championship game, one which might keep him out until training camp, perhaps longer.

If Lance can’t seize the opportunity to prove himself as QB1 for the 49ers amid Purdy’s absence, it’s hard to envision any positive scenario emerging for the North Dakota State product in the eyes of the Niners’ coaching staff.

Are 49ers losing patience with Trey Lance?

It’s time to read between the lines of some of those controversial reports surrounding Lance and San Francisco over the last year-plus.

Remember The Score’s Matt Lombardo tweeting out a report that said the 49ers were “continually underwhelmed” by Lance?

In case you forgot:

Or, how about the San Francisco Chronicle’s Mike Silver explaining how Lance was suffering from arm fatigue his rookie season?

Fans weren’t too happy with Silver about that report, but even Lance responded nearly a year later saying it was true, he was dealing with a dead arm of sorts.

Sure, injuries aren’t necessarily the direct responsibility of Lance. He can’t be blamed for every facet of why he’s not starting yet for the Niners.

However, in a “what have you done for me lately?” kind of league, even San Francisco will be willing to move on from Lance if he’s not delivering the desired results.

Read More: Trey Lance can’t afford to fail Kyle Shanahan, 49ers in 2023

Especially if Purdy is in the way.

As such, Lance will be under some serious pressure to take full advantage of Purdy missing offseason workouts and, in all likelihood, not being close to 100 percent when training camp commences.

With a fifth-year option or contract extension on the table for him at the end of year three, Lance absolutely needs to live up to his lofty draft billing set in April of 2021.