49ers QB addresses offseason trade rumors

It would have made sense for the San Francisco 49ers to trade former No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance, and it still does.

It also would make sense for the quarterback to want to move on from San Francisco, but he told the media on Tuesday that he knows exactly where he wants to be. Despite the trade rumors this offseason, which potentially could have ushered in an opportunity for Lance to play or even start somewhere else, he wants to be a quarterback for the 49ers.

“I knew where I wanted to be,” Lance said, addressing the rumors, per Yahoo Sports’ Kyle Madson. “Even going back to last year, like I said, I just wanted my opportunity to compete. For me, I love it here. I love the coaching staff, I love working with (QB coach Brian) Griese and (assistant QB coach) Klay (Kubiak), and now (passing game coordinator) Klint (Kubiak) as well. Love the quarterback room. Love the guys in the locker room. No doubt for me, this is absolutely where I want to be.”

Lance was drafted as high as he was to be a starter, undoubtedly, but the 49ers clearly don’t have faith in him moving forward. “Mr. Irrelevant” Brock Purdy has proved to be a playoff-worthy quarterback, and the Niners feel good about him despite the fact that he’s coming off a brutal elbow injury. If for some reason Purdy doesn’t come back strong, the 49ers also made an insurance investment this offseason by signing now-veteran quarterback Sam Darnold — a former No. 3 overall pick in his own right.

Perhaps Lance believes that if he shows patience and continues to develop, he could eventually be “the guy” in San Francisco. Either that, or perhaps he’s just happy to collect a paycheck. After all, even as the potential third quarterback on the depth chart, he’s still expected to make $940,000, which isn’t a half bad salary for not doing much and not being under a ton of pressure.