49ers’ John Lynch Reveals Which Way He’s Leaning in Three-Man Starting QB Race

One of the biggest questions heading into the 49ers’ 2023 season is who will be the team’s starting quarterback.

Trey Lance was promoted to the starting role last year, but he only played in two games before an ankle injury ended his season. Jimmy Garoppolo then stepped into the role, but he has since signed with the Raiders in free agency.

Rookie Brock Purdy was the star of the team at the end of the season as he led the 49ers to the NFC championship game. It’s definitely possible for Purdy to earn the starting role outright ahead of this season, especially if general manager John Lynch had to choose right now, he revealed at Monday’s league meetings.

This is despite the fact Purdy recently underwent surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. The 23-year-old is expected to be ready by the start of the 2023 season.

“I think Brock has earned the right with the way he played that he’s probably the leader in the clubhouse at that,” Lynch said, via ESPN’s Nick Wagoner. “If we were to line up, he’d probably take that first snap.”

However, Lance will compete for a chance to earn the starting role again, as Lynch noted “it’s certainly a competition,” per The Athletic’s David Lombardi.

Also included in that competition is Sam Darnold, who recently was signed by the 49ers after two seasons with the Panthers.