5 players 49ers could theoretically trade away this year

Crazy 49ers trade No. 3: Trey Lance

The 49ers potentially have a good problem on their hands: two quarterbacks capable of starting.

Well, at least in theory. Trey Lance and Brock Purdy are both working their way back from serious injuries suffered last season.

Lance, of course, seems the closest to return after his broken ankle in Week 2 a year ago, while Purdy isn’t going to be ready until training camp at the soonest after tearing his UCL in his elbow during the playoffs.

However, Purdy’s notable ascent down the stretch puts him in a head-to-head lead over Lance, at least as far as the Niners’ long-term starting prospects go.

With both quarterbacks still on their rookie contracts, money isn’t too big of an issue.

What is an issue is the fact Lance has just four NFL-level regular-season starts under his belt, yet there would surely be a team or two willing to bank on the former No. 3 overall draft pick’s upside.

Especially if San Francisco was fully sold on what it saw from Purdy last season.

The 49ers may take a loss on Lance’s original investment, but they’d at least command something back in return if they felt Purdy was the answer under center.