The quarterback position is crowded for the 49ers. Do they keep their inheritance or share the wealth with a Trey Lance trade that makes sense?
Before the start of last season, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance was the undeniable starter for the unforeseen future. However, after a Week 2 exit against the Chicago Bears that resulted in a season-ending injury, the quarterback position has been a revolving door.
However, that same revolving door stayed ajar for more than half the season for newly coined, “Mr. Relevant” Brock Purdy. And, boy, did he take advantage of it. Despite an injury of his own, after a successful run to the NFC Championship game, it appears he has cemented his status as the new long-term answer.
So, what do the Niners do with two capable, young quarterbacks that could potentially lead a franchise?
It’s no secret that the franchise invested big in Lance. You’ll get no argument here. That’s what would make it difficult to move on from him so abruptly. Not to mention, we really haven’t seen what he can do when given a full season to grow at the position.
With that being said, how do you bench Purdy when he’s already shown what he can do with only half a season?
#49ers QB Brock Purdy underwent successful surgery on his elbow today, source says. It was the anticipated UCL repair with an internal brace. The expectation is Purdy will begin throwing in three months and build up his strength from there. pic.twitter.com/YQbDzBMinh
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 10, 2023
There’s no doubt that head coach Kyle Shanahan could write a playbook that would cater to both of their skill sets. But why put yourself in a position that could potentially blow up in your face? The magnitude of a quarterback controversy would be less great if you took a flyer on one of them now and traded the other than it would be if both players had a successful run and you had to choose then.
Currently, the 49ers have invested three first-round picks in Lance. Will they get that back? Not a chance. But with a team that is ready to win now, what they could do is recoup some draft capital that would help get them back into the Super Bowl.
San Francisco is talented and ready to win now. And every year, the window to do so gets smaller and smaller.
With a crowded quarterback stable and a chance to bolster the roster, let’s take a look at three possible trade packages involving Lance.
Possible Trey Lance trade package partner No. 3: Miami Dolphins
Admit it. You knew this was coming.
But in every way possible, this trade makes the most sense. No matter how you slice it, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel needs a quarterback. His current option, Tua Tagovailoa, had a successful season under center. But who knows how he’ll be after sustaining a significant head injury against the Cincinnati Bengals?
The Dolphins just picked up his fifth-year option, but this could be a make-or-break year for him if his injuries persist, or he can’t build on last year’s success.
If Tua continues without complication, it will give Trey Lance even more time to develop. This is probably for the best after two shaky performances in 2022 prior to the injury.
General manager John Lynch pulled the trigger on acquiring Lance, but you would think that McDaniel, who was offensive coordinator at the time, had some input on whether or not to take a flyer on the former North Dakota State Bison. After all, Lance was a perfect fit for the Kyle Shanahan offense with McDaniel calling plays.
There’s no reason Lance wouldn’t fit in Miami. Especially with the speedy receivers and familiar running backs who are waiting there for him.
For those who are not impressed with a third- and a fifth-round selection in return for Lance, I’ll put it into perspective for you: That’s a Fred Warner and a George Kittle.
McDaniel saw what kind of draft capital it took to acquire him, he should have no problem, when asked for his input in giving up a third- and a fifth-round selection to bring Lance to the South Beach area.
Possible Trey Lance trade package partner No. 2: Carolina Panthers
Last season, the 49ers stole the heart and soul of the entire state of North Carolina when they traded for running back Christian McCaffrey. Why not unload Trey Lance to that same team that has an absolute need at the quarterback position?
Baker Mayfield just didn’t work out. So the Panthers traded him away abruptly after giving him less than a season to impress. Currently, the cupboard is bare, and with P.J. Walker looking like the potential favorite to start next season, the cupboard may as well be empty.
Bringing in Lance already makes the quarterback position stronger, and if he doesn’t impress then it only cost them 2 third-round picks to find out.
Furthermore, if they select a quarterback in this year’s NFL Draft after getting the No. 1 overall pick, then the addition of Lance should push whatever rookie they select to play at a higher level.
Read More: Trey Lance might not get another shot with 49ers after 2023
Is Lance the answer in Carolina? Who knows. But one thing is for certain, just because you draft a quarterback No. 1 overall doesn’t mean that he will pan out. Even if it is C.J. Stroud.
Trading for Lance at worst is a lateral move from a rookie, but most likely, it’ll prove to be a better option for a team with a newly signed head coach in Frank Reich. Especially when that head coach owns the record for the largest comeback in postseason history.
Reich could do a lot for Lance’s development. This trade is a win for everyone.
Possible Trey Lance trade package partner No. 1: Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders released quarterback Carson Wentz, leaving them with a huge hole entering free agency. What better way to fill that void than to trade for a young quarterback with a high ceiling on a rookie contract?
Washington has multiple picks in the third- and sixth-rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft, this would enable them to trade for their franchise quarterback and still have picks in every round to fill positions of need.
Not to mention, the Commanders have a relatively young roster across the board. If Trey Lance and his new offense find chemistry, they could be playing together for quite a while. In addition, he could settle into a leadership role rather quickly due to the lack of proven veterans on the team.
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After the trade, the Commanders would still have seven picks to fill positions of need and provide Lance with weapons for years to come.
Currently, the Commanders have just shy of $25 million in cap space. That would enable them to put quality players around Lance, or if he pans out for the franchise, it would be a good starting point for a lengthy contract.
That’s a luxury the 49ers can not afford with all the big contracts weighing them down.