Predicting 49ers starting lineups after 1st wave of NFL free agency

Predicting 49ers’ starting offense

No more Jimmy Garoppolo in a San Francisco uniform. That’s either a blessing or a curse, depending on what side of the “Jimmy G stan” argument you’d be on.

Regardless, the future of the 49ers under center will fall between either Brock Purdy or Trey Lance, and there are sound arguments for both.

Except only one is nearing a clean slate of health right now.

Quarterback

• Trey Lance

Running back

• Kyle Juszczyk (FB)
• Christian McCaffrey (HB)

Wide receiver

• Deebo Samuel
• Brandon Aiyuk

Tight end

• George Kittle

Offensive line

• Trent Williams (LT)
• Aaron Banks (LG)
• Jake Brendel (C)
• Spencer Burford (RG)
• Colton McKivitz (RT)

Lance has the advantage over Purdy in that the latter might not even be recovered from offseason shoulder surgery by the time Week 1 rolls around. And while Lance’s hold on the QB1 role might be precarious, it’s there right now.

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And, no, quarterback Sam Darnold isn’t gunning for it despite being a notable free-agent pickup.

The Niners lost right tackle Mike McGlinchey to the Denver Broncos in free agency. Barring any notable changes, it appears as if fourth-year pro Colton McKivitz will be the shoo-in replacement.

Perhaps that’ll work, and it’ll be good that Brendel re-signed, although it’s Burford’s sole job at right guard now with the versatile Daniel Brunskill departing to the Tennessee Titans, ending San Francisco’s platoon there from last season.