Why 49ers should keep QB Trey Lance, not trade him

Per NFL.com, the San Francisco 49ers have received calls from other teams about a trade for quarterback Trey Lance, the former No. 3 overall pick. 49ers general manager John Lynch said trade talks haven't been substantive and that San Francisco isn't actively shopping Lance.

The GM also noted that he expects Lance to be a Niner in 2023, which, if true, is great news for Niners fans.

In 2021, San Francisco made Lance the third overall pick in the draft.

In 2022, he earned the starter's role over Jimmy Garoppolo but suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 2. In Week 13, Garoppolo suffered his own season-ending foot injury, paving the way for seventh-round rookie Brock Purdy -- "Mr. Irrelevant" -- and his remarkable run to the NFC Championship Game.

Purdy went 7-0 before suffering a serious injury to his throwing elbow early in a 31-7 loss to the Eagles in the NFC title game.

Purdy is still rehabbing the injury and won't throw until at least June, per NBC Sports. The 49ers would be foolish to trade Lance and roll into the season with a potentially less-than-100 percent Purdy and no other viable option at quarterback.

In free agency in March, the 49ers signed Sam Darnold, another former third overall pick, but he's nothing but a journeyman QB. Darnold's career completion percentage is 59.6 and his record as a starter is 21-34 -- not good enough for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

Per OddsChecker, San Francisco is among the favorites for the Super Bowl.

It's far too soon for San Francisco -- which traded three first-round picks to move up to draft Lance -- to give up on the former North Dakota State standout. Lance has top-tier arm strength and incredible athleticism.

The best scenario for the 49ers, as well for as Purdy and Lance, is to let them battle it out during training camp.

As well as Purdy played last season, NFL defensive coordinators have a way of figuring out quarterbacks and adjusting. While Purdy could continue to win at a high clip, there's also the chance that his 2022 season will be his zenith.

That's why it's important Lance is part of the equation in San Francisco this season -- whether as a starter or Purdy's backup.