Ranking 49ers’ 4 quarterback options from worst to best

49ers quarterbacking option No. 2: Brock Purdy

Now, here’s where things begin to get interesting with this ranking.

Jimmy Garoppolo is probably gone, the Niners probably will bring in a low-caliber free-agent veteran this offseason, and the major question still resides nevertheless.

Brock Purdy or Trey Lance as the 2023 starter?

Based on experience and recent performances, Purdy is the clear-cut answer. Lance has four NFL starts under his belt, and that’s it. Despite San Francisco’s aggressive trade-up for him back in 2021, the No. 3 overall pick from the NFL Draft is still wholly inexperienced and unproven, and the fact he hasn’t played a full season at any level since 2019 is a glaring concern.

Meanwhile, Purdy’s ascent after relieving an injured Garoppolo in Week 13, one which helped the 49ers score an average of more than eight points per game, won’t go unnoticed.

So, why Lance over Purdy here?

Read More: Trey Lance now poised to start for 49ers over Brock Purdy

It’s pretty simple, honestly. Purdy can’t throw now. Until that elbow not only heals fully from surgery, as well as the time needed for the second-year pro to get up to strength, the final pick from the 2022 draft has to be the secondary option.

It’d be one thing if both quarterbacks were fully healthy. They’re not, though, and Purdy is much further behind in recovery time.