It’s no secret that the San Francisco 49ers are changing quarterbacks.
They have been actively looking for a trade partner to acquire Jimmy Garoppolo, giving way for Trey Lance to be their starter next season.
The North Dakota State standout played sporadically in 2021 but showed some glimpses of versatility.
However, NFL insider Dov Kleiman thinks that something’s amiss with the second-year player.
If Trey Lance is in fact "everything" the 49ers thought, "and more" – how come they kept him on the bench? even as a struggling Jimmy Garoppolo was dealing with multiple injuries that required surgery?
Actions speak louder than words 🤷♂️ https://t.co/6l3JDJOEt7
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 3, 2022
Kleiman tweeted, “If Trey Lance is in fact ‘everything’ the 49ers’ thought, ‘and more’ – how come they kept him on the bench? Even as a struggling Jimmy Garoppolo was dealing with multiple injuries that required surgery? Actions speaks louder than words.”
Kleiman shared those thoughts in response to a recent quote from San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch.
When asked about Lance, the Hall of Famer said, “I tell people he’s everything we thought he was when we traded a lot to go get him — and more. And you know, I really believe that.”
Kleiman Does Have A Point
Even Lynch’s statement regarding Lance being “everything we thought he was” seems vague.
What exactly do they think about him and did the player meet their expectations?
Likewise, if Lance is really exceptional, he would have taken over for Garoppolo at any point of the season, given the veteran’s unsteady performances.
It is a bold statement as well that a quarterback with an injury history is starting over the fresher play-caller that they gambled much to acquire.
However, head coach Kyle Shanahan hasn’t won with any quarterback other than Garoppolo.
Now that he will be potentially gone, their offense will take a different shape.
The 49ers hope that the one year of sitting behind Garoppolo will help Lance become the franchise quarterback they seek.
NEXT: 49ers GM Comments On Jimmy Garoppolo's Status