Trey Lance has quickly slid from NFL Draft darling to depth chart afterthought following the San Francisco 49ers‘ announcement that the former No. 3 overall pick is now third on the team’s depth chart behind Brock Purdy and Sam Darnold.
The demotion is quite the fall from grace for a player many analysts thought was the “next big thing.”
Update 08/25/2023: The short but tumultuous road otherwise known as Trey Lance’s 49ers career has now come to an end. Ahead of the team’s third preseason game, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Lance had been traded to the Dallas Cowboys. The former third-overall pick cost the 49ers three first-round picks when they decided to move up for Lance, and in return, they received a fourth-round pick in 2024.
Trade: 49ers are sending their former No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance to the Dallas Cowboys for a mid-round, per sources. Lance now gets a fresh start in Dallas. pic.twitter.com/UxKNpljktv
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 25, 2023
Is Trey Lance Playing in the Final Preseason Game?
Reportedly, the 49ers plan to play Lance as the backup QB in their regular-season dress rehearsal. The 49ers plan to start backup QB Sam Darnold, and then Lance will enter the game.
#49ers HC Kyle Shanahan said on @KNBR that Trey Lance will play in Friday’s preseason game vs. the #Chargers. The plan is for Lance to come in after Sam Darnold.
Lance was excused from practice today after being told he won’t be Brock Purdy’s backup. “I knew that it was hard on… https://t.co/OdIySslUCy
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 24, 2023
There is no indication for when the 49ers will switch QBs, but it makes sense for the team to showcase Lance for other NFL franchises to see if there is any interest in the former first-round pick.
What To Expect From San Francisco During Preseason Week 3
Don’t expect anything more from the 49ers than their usual game plan. The starters are not likely to play as the coaching staff and front office want everyone healthy and prepared for a grueling regular season.
The 49ers trying to sell Trey Lance to other teams pic.twitter.com/P2EIFALOe5
— Dave Kluge (@DaveKluge) August 24, 2023
Under head coach Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers are one of the best running teams in the NFL. Expect the 49ers to ground and pound the ball to wind the clock down to zero and ensure everyone’s health.
The 49ers may choose to showcase Lance, so he could play longer than expected in the preseason finale.
What To Expect From Lance in 2023
Even the most ardent Lance supporters are not optimistic heading into the 2023 season. Not many thought Lance would beat out Purdy for the starting position, but to be demoted to third string behind Darnold is a bit shocking.
Will the 49ers trade Trey Lance? 🤔@Foxworth24 and @MinaKimes discuss the market for the QB and how Shohei Ohtani's health impacts his future on an all-new @debatable ⤵️ https://t.co/tsLVhvBahj
— ESPN (@espn) August 25, 2023
Separating may be the best course of action for the 49ers and Lance. San Francisco won’t have to continue to answer questions about Lance and the assets they tied up in a QB who never materialized.
Lance would benefit from a change of scenery and a new offensive scheme. He is still young, and there is time for development — just not in San Francisco.