The San Francisco 49ers entered this training camp knowing they would have a quarterback competition.
It was a battle between Brock Purdy, Sam Darnold, and Trey Lance for who would win the starting job.
After the way Purdy played over the second half of last season he was the favorite to win the job.
The only thing standing in the way for Purdy was elbow surgery that he needed in the offseason.
Luckily, he was able to return in time for training camp and win the starting job.
But, what is interesting is not that Purdy is starting, but rather who is backing him up.
According to Ian Rapoport, the 49ers have chosen Darnold as the backup quarterback over Lance.
#49ers QB Sam Darnold was named the team’s No. 2 QB, per me and @TomPelissero. He’ll be the backup to Brock Purdy to begin the season.
This further puts the future of former No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance in some doubt. pic.twitter.com/ig7PVp4lgn
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 23, 2023
This was not something many people saw coming.
Darnold has yet to be successful as an NFL player while Lance has never been allowed to show what he can do.
Last season, Lance was the starter to begin the year before breaking his ankle in Week 2 and missing the rest of the season.
But, the 49ers saw something in training camp that chose them to pick Darnold over Lance.
Seeing this now begs the question of whether Lance will remain a 49er this year.
It is not out of the realm of possibilities that the 49ers look to trade Lance.
He needs a fresh start and it is clear San Francisco has no interest in playing him.
Things have not worked out for Lance in his NFL career so far.
But, he still has a chance to turn his career around in a different situation.
NEXT: Analyst Says 'Everything Points' To Sam Darnold Being Named QB2 For 49ers
