49ers’ Trey Lance leading Sam Darnold in potential QB competition?

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance seems to be ahead of free-agency signing Sam Darnold early into an offseason competition between the two. 

“Trey Lance is the guy during (organized team activities) who’s been taking all the first-team reps; he’s healthy at this point,” ESPN’s Jeff Darlington said during an appearance on “NFL Live,” per Dov Kleiman of BroBible. “Sam Darnold really getting backup duty as he kinda gets his playbook under his belt. But for now, Trey Lance getting his opportunity with those first-team reps.” 

Multiple NFL insiders previously suggested Darnold should be considered the favorite to win the starting job over Lance assuming 2022 rookie sensation Brock Purdy won’t be ready for Week 1 in September as Purdy recovers from elbow surgery he underwent on March 10.

During a Wednesday appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio, 49ers general manager John Lynch indicated the club was “incredibly encouraged” after Purdy completed his first post-surgery throwing session. 

“The hope is he’s ready for training camp. The hope is he’s ready for the regular season,” Lynch added about Purdy, according to Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group.

Lance ultimately needed multiple surgeries after he suffered a serious ankle injury last September, and it’s possible his status on the depth chart throughout the summer could provide glimpses of where Purdy is in his recovery. Lynch has essentially confirmed a healthy Purdy will eventually reclaim the starting job, while Lance is an unproven 2021 first-round draft pick who currently has little value to the 49ers as it pertains to a possible trade. 

Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan having Lance audition for other clubs as the team’s starter for what are largely meaningless preseason games could be the right business decision for all involved, especially if Shanahan is comfortable with Darnold serving as Purdy’s primary backup once the 23-year-old is cleared to face live defenses.