49ers Name Sam Darnold As Backup Quarterback Over Trey Lance, per Report

Sam Darnold will be the 49ers backup quarterback to Brock Purdy, beating out Trey Lance, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport.

The news comes after coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters on Tuesday that he was in no rush to name the team’s backup signal-caller. Lance, who has been limited in his NFL tenure due to injuries, has continued develop during training camp, but the team will now explore possible options involving the 2021 No. 3 pick, per the report.

Purdy and Darnold are now secure as the team’s top two options for a San Francisco team seeking to compete for a Super Bowl this season. As a result, according to Pelissero, trading Lance is “one possible solution.”

Both Darnold and Lance registered quality performances in the 49ers’ 21–20 victory against the Broncos on Sunday. Lance finished the game with 173 yards, one touchdown and one interception after the former 2021 No. 3 draft pick faced a ton of criticism from national pundits about his opening preseason outing against the Raiders.

Darnold, meanwhile, threw for 109 yards, completing 11-of-14 passes with one touchdown and one interception in Sunday’s victory. Entering the ’22 season, Lance was slated to be the 49ers starting quarterback. However, he suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 2 of the season. 

In selecting Lance in ’21, the 49ers passed on selecting other players who have become key pieces to their teams. San Francisco moved up from No. 12 to No. 3 to take the North Dakota State product, setting off a chain reaction of other moves from three notable teams.

The Dolphins moved up to No. 6 to select Jaylen Waddle. Meanwhile, the Eagles dropped down to No. 10 to select DeVonta Smith while the Cowboys selected Micah Parsons at No. 12. Miami then also used multiple first-round selections from San Francisco to acquire Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb via trade.

In addition to Purdy, Darnold and Lance, the team has veteran Brandon Allen on the roster, who could become the 49ers’ QB3 if Lance is traded.

Purdy played in his first NFL game on Sunday since suffering the devastating elbow injury he suffered in the NFC title game against the Eagles in January. San Francisco finishes out the preseason against the Chargers on Friday, and will begin the regular season on Sept. 10 against the Steelers.