Kyle Shanahan says he hasn't discussed trades with Trey Lance

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (L) with head coach Kyle Shanahan (R)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (L) with head coach Kyle Shanahan (R) / Lachlan Cunningham/GettyImages
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While it seems the 49ers have already named Brock Purdy their starter for 2023, that apparently hasn't led to public discourse about trading Trey Lance.

In the wake of recent reports and rumors that state the San Francisco 49ers have all but crowned Brock Purdy as their starting quarterback moving forward despite him being unavailable this offseason because of elbow surgery, fellow quarterback Trey Lance would have a right to be upset.

What he should do is march into head coach Kyle Shanahan's office and demand a trade.

If the Niners aren't even willing to give Lance a legitimate shot to reclaim the starting job, the No. 3 overall pick from the 2021 NFL Draft should want to take his talents elsewhere where he can reinvigorate his now-floundering career.

And it'd be fair if San Francisco granted him that wish.

Now, we don't know if Lance has had those discussions or even thoughts about being traded. If he has stormed into Shanahan's offense, the team is keeping awfully quiet about it.

Kyle Shanahan says 49ers haven't discussed trades with Trey Lance

Lance and fellow quarterback Sam Darnold are the two who are receiving first-team reps from organized team activities and mandatory minicamp, and Purdy continues to mend his surgically repaired elbow.

Amid all the quarterbacking controversy, Shanahan spoke to reporters following day one of minicamp and was asked about the possibility of trading Lance if the third-year pro essentially ends up becoming an excess commodity.

When asked directly whether or not Shanahan has spoken with Lance's camp about a trade, the head coach had a one-word response.

"No."

Read more: Latest news on Brock Purdy spells doom for Trey Lance

Granted, Shanahan doesn't have to tell the truth. Or it could be a half truth. Maybe he hasn't physically had the discussions himself with Lance about a would-be trade, rather it's been general manager John Lynch.

Or, maybe, Shanahan is lying. Or he's telling the truth about not talking trades with Lance but is nevertheless seeking options on the open market.

Or San Francisco is simply content with the status quo and has no issue keeping Lance as a backup to Purdy even if the former isn't particularly thrilled with it.

You'd have to ask Shanahan about that one, though, and it doesn't appear as if he's talking much.

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