Steve Mariucci was in Santa Clara for NFL Network on Monday to observe the San Francisco 49ers during training camp. Naturally, the quarterback group intrigued him. That has been the biggest 49ers-related storyline of the offseason.
On Thursday, Mariucci joined "The Rich Eisen Show" and was asked about one of the Niners' four quarterbacks, Trey Lance. There has been significant speculation surrounding the future of the former No. 3 overall pick and how long he might remain with the 49ers.
Lance entered last season as the starting quarterback but suffered an ankle injury during Week 2. That eventually paved the way for then-rookie Brock Purdy to start. The young quarterback played well enough to hold onto the starting job this season. That means Lance is relegated to competing with Sam Darnold for the QB2 spot.
Eisen asked Mariucci to speculate on Lance's future and what might happen to the 23-year-old quarterback.
"I don't think it's [lack of] ability [that's the problem for Lance]," Mariucci said. "I think lack of snaps really comes into play here because his last year in college was a COVID year, so he didn't do anything. Then he comes to the pros as a youngster, wasn't old enough to rent a car, and he didn't do anything. So he's so far behind in terms of playing in live situations.
"They were so high on him last year, Rich, I couldn't believe it. He was going to be the next Steve Young. And it's been the injuries that have gotten him. His ankle, he got hurt in Week 2, and so the poor kid has had the injury bug. And if he stays healthy, he's big enough, strong enough, athletic, smart, all of it. It's just been he's been hurt, and it's that simple. But you got to be available."
Mariucci doesn't believe the 49ers will play Purdy in the preseason at all, allowing Lance to show he can compete in the NFL. It might even be an audition for another team.
"This is my guess. I don't know for sure," Mariucci said. "But I think if Trey Lance plays well in the preseason—because I think they know what they have in Sam Darnold—smart guy, experienced guy. He went 4-2 with the Panthers last year. I mean, he's been around a little bit with your Jets. He'd be a heck of a backup; heck of a backup. And he's a good mentor kind of guy. Doesn't rock the boat.
"If Trey Lance can show well in the preseason, I think there were a lot of teams that liked him when he came out in the draft and had him graded as a first-round guy. And so I think teams will say, 'Hey, look at him. He's back. He's healthy,' and would be willing to give up a nice draft pick or two to go get him because there's such a premium on having a healthy quarterback and a guy that's capable.
"Maybe somebody gets hurt early in the season before October's trade deadline. I think they might be able to get some draft picks back."
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