The San Francisco 49ers have one of the most talented football teams in the NFL right now, as the storied franchise is stacked on both sides of the football.
However, one position has been in flux for a few years now, with no solid long-term option and a lot of injuries causing problems for Kyle Shanahan and company.
With Jimmy Garoppolo recently signing with the Las Vegas Raiders, the team is officially heading in a different direction, but the question remains whether the team should stick with either Brock Purdy, Trey Lance or newcomer Sam Darnold.
Former player and current NFL analyst David Carr gave his two cents on the dilemma for the 49ers.
He believes that Darnold could be the week 1 starter.
“I would even argue that [Sam Darnold] might have a little bit more ability than Brock Purdy…I wouldn’t be surprised if he starts Week 1…” 👀@DCarr8 likes what the former Panther & Jet can bring to that San Francisco offense. pic.twitter.com/Y1sqCUzif0
— NFL Total Access (@NFLTotalAccess) March 29, 2023
At this point, it seems as though Lance is not the guy for the 49ers, as Purdy has proven to be the better quarterback when given the reps under center.
However, San Francisco may not have Purdy for some time due to the injury he suffered in the NFC Championship Game.
As for Darnold, the USC product hasn’t produced much since the New York Jets drafted him with the No. 3 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
The 49ers are in win-now mode and will need the right quarterback under center to be considered a legitimate title contender in the NFC.
The real question is whether Darnold can shoulder the load at quarterback until Purdy returns, which could be eight months from now after Shanahan’s recent update on the quarterback’s timetable.
It will undoubtedly be difficult for the 49ers if Darnold is inconsistent and Lance proves not to be the answer again.
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