Despite San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan stating that he is not naming the definitive second-string quarterback, on August 23rd, Sam Darnold was named backup. This leaves Trey Lance as the third quarterback on the depth chart and a lot of unknowns about his future. The news was broken by Tom Pelissero on X, formally Twitter. Here is all that is needed to know about Darnold being the backup and what is next for Lance.

Sam Darnold Named QB2

The 49ers signed Darnold as a free agent just this past offseason. With Brock Purdy injured and so much unknown about Lance, this was a safe signing. When minicamps began, Lance and Darnold rotated with the starters, and the team currently does have Brian Allen as their fourth quarterback. Once Purdy was cleared to play at the start of training camp, it was a full competition for the second-string spot.

Darnold has been in the league for quite some time now. He was drafted by the New York Jets in 2018, ironically with the third overall pick. It has not been the best career for Darnold. He was a big prospect coming out of college, but going to the Jets is not always easy. In 2021, Darnold joined the Carolina Panthers, where he spent two seasons. He played a total of 17 games between the two seasons.

When the 49ers signed Darnold, it did make sense from the team’s perspective and even Darnold’s. It’s a good system for him to still get reps, and clearly, it worked out for him as he earned the backup spot. Darnold’s issue is not arm power or anything like that; it is his decision-making. Hopefully, Purdy has a healthy season where Darnold never has to see the field, but if he has to play, it is in a system he can manage.

Sam Darnold

49ers QB Sam Darnold (14) – Ethan Miller/GettyImages

Sam Darnold vs. Trey Lance 2023 Preseason

In week one of the 2023 preseason, the 49ers faced the Las Vegas Raiders. Lance got the start and played for the entire first half. Lance completed ten out of 15 passes for 112 yards and one touchdown, according to ESPN. He played behind an offensive line that got demolished and was completely under pressure. There were many near interceptions, but he got lucky. Darnold played for the majority of the second half and had five completions out of eight attempts for 84 yards. He was more composed but struggled with his poor decision-making.

In the second game, the 49ers faced the Denver Broncos. Purdy did play in a series but was pulled right after that. In the game, Lance got more reps with a better offensive line than he had against the Raiders. He looked much better than the week before. Lance completed 12 passes out of 18 attempts for 173 yards, according to ESPN. He also had one touchdown and one interception. Darnold completed 11 passes out of 14 attempts for 109 yards. Just like Lance, he also had one touchdown and one interception.

It will be interesting to see how the snaps are divided in week three. Purdy will most likely get some playing time, but how the team uses Lance will definitely be something to watch for now.

Sam Darnold

49ers QBs Trey Lance (5) and Sam Darnold (14) – AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez

Sam Darnold #2, What’s Next for Trey Lance?

As of right now, the team is weighing their options on what is next for Lance. The quarterback was drafted with the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft. Lance went from being named the 2022 starter to the third-string quarterback in 2023. The first thing to note, according to multiple 49ers reporters who were in attendance at practice on Wednesday after the news broke, Lance did not participate.

The 49ers would be spending more money to keep Lance than to trade him, which means a release is highly unlikely. Fans and the team, need to be realistic. They won’t get a first-round pick or a second for Lance. Even a third would push it, unfortunately. According to Dianna Russini, the 49ers did try to shop Lance in the offseason but never received any significant offers. The team probably knows by now that Lance will not be traded for much if there is a trade.

Then, there are questions on who would make the trade. Many believe he could land with the Minnesota Vikings. There are also other teams with young quarterbacks that could look to trade for Lance, such as the Atlanta Falcons. Even the Denver Broncos could be in discussion. There has not been word of Lance requesting a trade, but not participating in practice says a lot, and who could blame him?

49ers QB Sam Darnold (14) – Loren Elliott/Getty Images

49ers on Sam Darnold Earning QB 2

It should also be noted that Shanahan did not speak to the media at practice. The first person from the 49ers organization to make any statement was Fred Warner. The linebacker stated that he saw only three quarterbacks at practice, which was weird, and he does not know what is going to happen next. For now, fans and media, just have to wait for what will happen.

Shanahan did go onto KNBR on Wednesday after the news about Darnold. Shanahan explained that in the last ten days, Darnold pushed past Lance for that second spot, but there really was a competition. He did speak to Lance in the morning, explaining that Darnold is the second-string. If the 49ers are good with one thing, it is making sure they are communicating with their players about their position on the team. Shanahan also explained that he would continue to talk to Lance about the situation.

Referring back to Lance not participating in Wednesday’s practice, Shanahan said they agreed on that when the two spoke in the morning. He told Lance to take the day off. Shanahan would also love a situation where Lance is still on the team in 2023, but as of now, that is not looking likely. Even if the team wants to keep him, who is to say Lance would want to stay? Being pushed to third is going to be something to come back from mentally. Once again, Lance could remain on the team throughout the 2023 season. No one actually knows what will happen; it is all speculation right now.

49ers QBs Sam Darnold (14) and Trey Lance (5) – Ian Maule/Getty Images

Something to think about is if the team wanted this news to come out. It does seem like odd timing with one more preseason game for Lance to show what he can do. Shanahan also just said the day before he does not want to pick a second string just yet. To go from not wanting to name one to who it is being out in the media does make it seem as though this was not planned.

It is clear that the smartest decision for the 49ers would be to trade Lance. It is also evident how confident the team is in Purdy being their starting quarterback, something they have been saying this whole time. While it would have been weird to hear this a year ago today, Sam Darnold is officially the backup quarterback in San Francisco. Next up is to watch for what happens with Lance and who plays in this weekend’s preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers.