On March 27, general manager John Lynch gave Brock Purdy his strongest public endorsement as the San Francisco 49ers’ starting quarterback. Since then, several teams have shown interest in Trey Lance.
Lynch indicated at the March league meetings that he and the Niners listen to any trade offers but that Lance was the team’s immediate future.
Lynch repeated during Monday’s pre-draft news conference that the 49ers aren’t shopping Lance.
“I think there’s a lot of smoke, really, and that it hasn’t been extremely active,” Lynch said. “It’s not like we’ve put it out there that, oh, we’re taking bids for Trey, call 1-800. Not the procedure. People should ask inquiries. Is that repeated? Sure. It’s been superficial.”
Lynch said he expects Lance to play in 2023 despite the calls from other clubs.
“Absolutely. “I expect Trey to be here, and we’re excited about Trey’s ability to compete and what he can do for our franchise just as we were when we drafted Trey,” Lynch said. “Trey got healthy this offseason,” he said. Injured last year. He did well. He’s trained differently this offseason. We’ll see when we can play with him. We’re encouraged too.”
The Niners only have Lance and Sam Darnold in their offseason program because Purdy is currently healing from elbow surgery.
Lynch said that the Niners would need a large offer to modify their position on Lance and that Purdy’s uncertainty affects Lance’s outside offers.
“I think you definitely have to take that into account, and we’ve approached it that way,” Lynch said. “As good as we feel about Brock’s rehab, I think we have to prepare for every scenario, but more so we’re just excited about having three really quality quarterbacks in our room and letting those guys compete and vie for a job.”
Lynch stated he had to discuss Lance’s future with the team with the rumor mill.
Lynch said he wouldn’t generally do that unless the Niners were shopping the player, but Lance’s investment and position required those conversations.
“Trey and I have talked and we’re on the same page, and Trey knows exactly where the situation is,” Lynch added. He’s focused on competing, which is good. We’re enthusiastic about his offseason work and his position, but first, get healthy. Second, improve some areas he wanted to improve.”
Purdy had elbow surgery six weeks prior. After the 12-week mark, in early June, the Niners and Purdy will know more about his recovery schedule.
Purdy is attending the team’s offseason program without his right elbow brace.
“He’s doing really well, and as I understand it, he’s definitely on schedule hitting all the checkpoints,” Lynch added. “We’re very encouraged.”
Lynch reiterated that the 49ers discuss everything but believe in their current signal-callers, and their roster, which includes about a half-dozen players paid at the top of the market for their position groups, makes a big swing at quarterback unlikely.
“You look into everything and we seem to be linked to each and everything.” Lynch stated. “I believe it’s how convicted we are on Brock on this current bunch of guys… Not investigating isn’t your job. Our roster limits many of those items. What motivates you? Besides Lamar, those players are MVP-caliber. We like our people and our situation. We’re enthusiastic about our roster’s fit for many reasons.”