5 significant questions for 49ers at quarterback in 2023
By Peter Panacy
Significant 49ers question No. 2: Who starts at quarterback if Brock Purdy is still hurt?
Despite the optimistic news, there is still a very real chance that Brock Purdy starts the year sidelined and isn't ready to go for a week, two or even longer.
Should that be the case, would Trey Lance get his starter's job back? Or would it be another former third-overall draft pick, Sam Darnold?
San Francisco liked Darnold prior to the New York Jets drafting him at No. 3 overall in 2018, and the 49ers also were reportedly in on Darnold prior to Gang Green trading him to the Carolina Panthers in 2021.
Now, the Niners have their guy. And there are plenty of NFL insiders, including ESPN's Adam Schefter, who believe Darnold will beat out Lance on the depth chart during training camp and the preseason.
"There was no trade market for Trey Lance and the 49ers didn't have any trade talks with teams..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 21, 2023
Brock Purdy if he's healthy is the number one and my guess going into camp is that Sam Darnold has the edge to be number two"@AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/pIjNIx3RiF
Darnold, who owns a 21-34 record as a starter, has never been on as good a team as the one with which he now finds himself. And there's stability at head coach, too, under Kyle Shanahan.
Does that make Darnold a better quarterback, though? Or is Lance truly falling by the wayside in the most embarrassing fashion?