The 49ers’ quarterback woes seem to have no end in sight.
San Francisco’s staff has reportedly been “continually underwhelmed” by its top 2021 NFL Draft pick, Trey Lance, according to NFL reporter Matt Lombardo. As the 49ers try to work with Lance, they simultaneously are trying to unload Jimmy Garoppolo and his contract. As the 2023 season approaches, San Francisco may be stuck with only a bridge QB.
In 2017, the 49ers originally traded for Garoppolo after he backed up Tom Brady on the Patriots for three seasons. Garoppolo led the 49ers to a Super Bowl apperance in 2019, the team’s first time in seven years.
But injuries in 2018 and 2020 — and a recent surgery on his throwing shoulder — have since put the 30-year-old on the trading block. However, even after the draft and multiple rumor swirls, Garoppolo has not been moved.
The Niners saw Lance as a replacement for the injury-ridden Garoppolo. During his rookie season, Lance showed he still has raw potential, playing five games and throwing 603 yards with his limited playing time.
The 49ers have built up a strong roster around their two quarterbacks over the last few, including disgruntled wide receiver Deebo Samuel and had real success in the playoffs, falling to the 2022 Super Bowl champion-Rams 20-17 during the NFC Championship.
However, still hoping to unload Garoppolo and their Trey Lance experiment reportedly not going as planned, the Niners may be now stuck at a dead end.