The San Francisco 49ers game of musical chairs may soon be coming to an end. Brock Purdy appears fully recovered from offseason elbow surgery and is the unquestioned starter. On Wednesday, Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers’ coaching staff announced that Sam Darnold is the QB2 heading into 2023.
With the 49ers’ QB depth chart solidified and Trey Lance dropping to QB3, what landing spots could make the most sense for the former third-overall pick in the NFL Draft?
Will San Francisco Trade Trey Lance?
A divorce here would make the most sense for both parties. Lance needs a fresh start elsewhere, and since the 49ers have Purdy entrenched as the starting QB, recouping any draft capital they can for Lance would be wise.
5 Potential Landing Spots for Trey Lance
Philadelphia Eagles
The early reviews on Marcus Mariota in Philadelphia have been an unmitigated disaster, and he may not be long for the backup gig in Philadelphia. The Eagles, as an organization, have always valued adding depth to the QB position.
I think Eagles should trade for Trey Lance to be their number 2 but not give up more than a 3rd rounder
— Tee (@Tie_Ron) August 23, 2023
Philadelphia could use Lance as a pseudo-Taysom Hill around the goal line to take a few hits off franchise QB Jalen Hurts.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins have Super Bowl aspirations and could be in the market for additional security at the QB position. Tua Tagovailoa has a lengthy injury history and admitted he considered retirement this offseason following a season filled with concussions.
Trey Lance and Tyreek Hill on the Dolphins pic.twitter.com/jSBug2e246
— John🔫 (@49ersgamg) August 23, 2023
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills have discussed evolving their offense to take more off Josh Allen’s plate. The Bills brass would like to avoid the punishment Allen takes on the ground, particularly around the goal line.
Ok Bills, trade for Trey Lance as QB2. Do it.
— Josh Allen Stats (@JoshAllenStats) August 23, 2023
The Bills are another team that could utilize Lance in the short term as a runner while they take their time developing him as a pocket passer.
New York Giants
Speaking of the Bills and QB development, hello, Brian Daboll. The current Giants head coach deserves credit for developing Allen into one of the best signal-callers in the NFL. Daboll’s ability to develop quarterbacks is one of the primary reasons New York hired him in the first place.
The Giants should trade for Trey Lance he would be a better backup then Tyrod Taylor #NFL #nygiants #NFLTwitter
— Thomas (@lamb_rules) August 23, 2023
Trading for Lance would not be an indictment on Daniel Jones. Jones is the Giants’ unquestioned starter, but with Lance’s movement skills, he would fit in the offense as a backup.
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings remain an obvious choice. Annually, Kirk Cousins is discussed as a player the Vikings may want to move on from. However, there’s not much sitting behind Cousins in Sean Mannion and Kellen Mond.
The team to watch for a potential trade for #49ers QB Trey Lance would be the Minnesota #Vikings 👀 pic.twitter.com/kDQPP6KTTx
— 49ers & NFL News 24/7 (@49ersSportsTalk) August 23, 2023
You wouldn’t find a more opposite QB from Cousins than Lance. Teams would have to game plan for Lance’s rushing capabilities if the Vikings could develop a package of plays for him.