Few quarterback competitions are as exciting as that of the San Francisco 49ers entering the 2023 NFL season. Brock Purdy has the coach’s and general manager’s praise. Trey Lance has the draft capital. Sam Darnold is the priority free agency acquisition. How did each player get here and what should we expect this season?
Brock Purdy
Purdy’s 2022 rookie season started with becoming Mr. Irrelevant and third on the 49ers depth chart. A Trey Lance fibula fracture in Week 2 and Jimmy Garoppolo foot fracture in Week 13 thrust Purdy to the top of the depth chart. While it is not a full season of games to evaluate, let’s take a look at Purdy’s eight starts in 2022.
In Week 13, Purdy stepped in for an injured Garoppolo after four pass attempts and generated 15.3 fantasy points. Purdy also attempted four passes in Week 21 (playoffs) before exiting with a UCL tear. From Week 14 to Week 20, Purdy averaged 19.6 fantasy points per game.
Over the seven-week period, five games were against defenses that finished top-12 in sacks. Much like Garoppolo, the rookie quarterback worked well within the fast-paced, Kyle Shanahan system.
That offense includes yards-after-completion (YAC) monsters like Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel and George Kittle. The 49ers pass-catchers boasted the highest YAC/Target (4.54) of any receiving group in the NFL. Further, McCaffrey, Samuel and Kittle finished second, first and third, respectively, at their position in YAC/Reception (at least 50 receptions).
Following the Purdy injury in the NFC Conference Championship, there was tremendous concern regarding the necessary surgery and recovery timeline. Fast forward to training camp and Purdy is practicing without restrictions alongside Lance and Darnold. With months of coach-speak indicating Purdy is the 49ers’ starting quarterback, the stars may have finally aligned for Mr. Irrelevant.
Trey Lance
The 49ers made Lance their quarterback of the future, selecting him third overall in 2021. The selection was made following a bold trade up from the 12th pick with the Dolphins. Considered an intriguing yet inexperienced dual-threat quarterback, Lance had 17 starts across three seasons for the FCS powerhouse North Dakota State University.
Garoppolo was put on notice with the selection of Lance following a Super Bowl loss in 2019-2020. However, Lance served as Garoppolo’s backup in his rookie season. As the 2022 season approached, Garoppolo restructured his contract to an incentive-laden deal, which would pay well if he were to become the starter. That “if” became “when” following Lance’s season-ending leg injury in his second start of the 2022 season.
Lance’s career is a series of unfortunate events, with only four starts amongst injuries and roster-shuffling. The misfortunes continue with an offseason of the 49ers’ brass stating that, if healthy, the starting quarterback job is Purdy’s.
While he is currently the third quarterback on the 49ers’ depth chart, Lance has reportedly “looked good” alongside Purdy in training camp. Will a strong training camp and preseason mean Lance is elevated to the starting quarterback? The answer will hinge on Purdy’s health and the 49ers’ comfort in Lance’s growth.
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Sam Darnold
As the elder statesman of this quarterback trio, the 26-year-old Darnold is entering his sixth NFL season in 2023. After a high ankle sprain in the 2022 preseason, Darnold did not play until Week 12 for a Panthers’ team that was in much disarray.
Thanks to interim head coach Steve Wilks nearly willing the Panthers to a playoff berth, Darnold put together a pair of top-10 fantasy performances. While the likelihood of being a franchise quarterback is in the rearview, Darnold has shown himself to be a capable backup quarterback.
Darnold was signed early in free agency by San Francisco amidst uncertainty with Purdy and Lance. The 49ers prioritized quarterback depth after Josh Johnson was shellacked by the Eagles in the NFC Conference Championship.
Darnold is currently listed second on the 49ers’ depth chart. Training camp is unlikely to allow Darnold to elevate himself to the starter; however, he provides experience and depth to a position group that is not yet settled.
K.I.S.S.
When evaluating the 49ers quarterback situation, I lean on wise words from my favorite fictitious beet farmer. Thus far, all three quarterbacks have remained healthy through camp and have yet to squander their collective opportunities.
If Purdy’s stretch of productive performances last season was not enough to believe he is the starter, his profound support by Shanahan and Lynch certainly helps. This is why he remains a quarterback to acquire in dynasty. And while the trade market for Lance has reportedly not been robust, a strong preseason could help him find a new home to reboot his career. As for Darnold, he is now on the best team in his career and will provide support for whoever is ahead of him.
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