The San Francisco 49ers have named Sam Darnold as their backup quarterback, beating out 2021 No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance.
The former Jets quarterback and 2018 No. 3 overall pick won the job behind starter Brock Purdy after “a strong showing this offseason,” according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.
The move puts the future of Lance, who opened the 2022 season as the 49ers’ starting QB but suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 2, “in some doubt,” per Rapoport.
Rapoport added that the 49ers “will now explore options with him” and trade discussions for the North Dakota State product could once again pick up.
Lance, as opposed to Darnold, has looked shaky running Kyle Shanahan’s offense during preseason.
He went 10-of-15 for 112 yards and a touchdown during the 49ers’ first preseason game against the Raiders, but narrowly avoided multiple interceptions after two Las Vegas drops.
He was also sacked four times.
San Francisco gave up a haul to draft Lance just over two years ago, trading the 12th overall pick that year, first- and third-round picks in 2022 and a first-round pick in 2023 to bring him in.
Darnold, 26, will slot in behind Purdy, who is coming off a UCL injury in his throwing elbow, which he suffered during the 2022 NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Purdy is reportedly at full strength and ahead of schedule in his recovery process.
The report puts an end to one of the most-talked about stories of the NFL preseason.
Lance and Darnold had both been taking reps with the second team during practices, though Darnold had reportedly taken more snaps with the unit.
Darnold signed a one-year, $4.5 million deal with the 49ers this offseason after quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo left the Bay Area for the Raiders.