Report: San Francisco receiving trade offers for former first-round QB

On Apr. 14, Purdy told Yahoo! Sports that "he's not really sure" if he'll be able to play this season, which would leave Lance and offseason free-agent addition Sam Darnold as San Francisco's options at QB.

However, on the same day, The Athletic reported, "To date, the team has said that the return date might range from the end of training camp in late August to a few weeks into the regular season."

With differing accounts between Purdy and the team on when he should be expected back on the field, trading Lance would create the possibility of the team starting Darnold for the majority of the season. He wasn't terrible last season, but there was little to suggest he's a championship-caliber QB.

It would also mark the end of a union with Lance that didn't have a chance to get off the ground. With only four career starts under his belt, the jury is still out as to whether he can be the team's long-term answer at QB. 

If traded, Lance would likely be staring as a backup to start the season. Most teams with a need at QB will fill that hole in next week's draft. 

One option could be the Houston Texans, which hired former 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans as head coach this offseason. Ryans then brought along San Francisco's passing game coordinator from last season, Bobby Slowik, to be his offensive coordinator.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported this week it's not a sure thing that Houston will draft a QB a second-overall in the upcoming draft.

The Washington Commanders could look to make a splash with a new ownership group by trading for Lance. Head coach Ron Rivera has stressed the team is still in the QB market, despite signing free agent Jacoby Brissett and previously anointing Sam Howell as the team's starter.

San Francisco was the favorite to land Lance prior to the 2021 draft, and the other top favorites at the time make little sense as landing spots in the context of where they currently sit.

Denver already traded a bunch of picks to get Russell Wilson and head coach Sean Payton, and trading for a young QB would lead to more questions than answers.

Atlanta appears intent on starting Desmond Ridder, and trading for Lance would only create a QB controversy the team wants to avoid.

All indications point to the Patriots riding with Mac Jones this season despite a report from Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio suggesting Jones was available in trade discussions.

If a trade does happen, the 49ers are all but assured to deal Lance for far less than what they gave up to get him. Making a move at this juncture would be selling everyone short.