San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Report: 'Growing buzz' around NFL that 49ers should start Trey Lance over Jimmy Garoppolo

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 8/27/21

The San Francisco 49ers have yet to name a starting quarterback for Week 1 against the Detroit Lions. However, all signs point toward veteran signal-caller Jimmy Garoppolo getting the nod.

Still, many believe that rookie quarterback Trey Lance gives San Francisco the best chance to win. According to ESPN's Jordan Schultz, there's "growing buzz" around the NFL that the Niners should start the third-overall pick over Garoppolo.

Says the scout: “Trey Lance has an absolute cannon. I think Kyle Shanahan’s ability to design plays — combined w/Lance’s athletic ability and ridiculous arm strength — will offset Jimmy G’s advantage as a more accurate QB at this point that understands the offense better.” #49ers
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 26, 2021

The fact that Lance is in contention for the starting job is surprising. He was raw coming out of North Dakota St. and didn't even play in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

If Garoppolo fails, the 49ers could opt to start Lance sooner rather than later. The team's front office appears enamored with the signal-caller, too. Niners general manager John Lynch said earlier this month that he has been impressed with Lance this summer, who he acknowledged is making a push for the starting job.

However, Shanahan acknowledged after San Francisco's preseason opener that Lance still has plenty of work to do this summer and beyond.

So, while Garoppolo appears to have the starting job for now, he'll likely be on a short leash this season as the Niners drafted Lance with the anticipation that he'll be their quarterback of the future.

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