The San Francisco 49ers have a complete quarterback controversy on their hands.
When they traded up to draft Trey Lance third overall, it seemed like he was their guy of the future.
But, Lance has never had an entire season to show what he can do as a starter.
Last year, he opened the season as the starter before suffering a season-ending ankle injury in Week 2.
One player who made a name for himself in Lance’s absence was Brock Purdy.
After starting the year as the third-string quarterback, Purdy started the last five games of the regular season.
He led the 49ers to a 5-0 record and an NFC Championship berth.
But, he was knocked out of that game with an elbow injury.
This offseason seems to be set up for a quarterback battle between Lance and Purdy.
That is if Purdy is healthy enough to throw in training camp.
He tore his UCL in the championship game and the surgery could hold him out close to six months.
But former 49er Michael Robinson thinks even if Purdy is healthy, he might not be the guy.
According to NFL Total Access, Robinson has not seen enough from Purdy yet.
Will @brockpurdy13 be the right man for the job this year? 👀 pic.twitter.com/jXbbpCUb1J
— NFL Total Access (@NFLTotalAccess) April 20, 2023
Purdy has only started eight NFL games, so some concern is warranted.
But, it is hard to knock what he did last year.
Even though he is not the most skilled player, he fits in perfectly with Kyle Shanahan’s system.
The 49ers have much more invested in Lance but have seen more from Purdy.
It will certainly be interesting to see who they commit to as their long-term franchise quarterback.
