49ers sign QB Sam Darnold. Have they lost faith in Trey Lance?

[Auggie]

I think so. One only has to compare the play of Lance in his three or so starts to that of Brock Purdy. Whereas Lance with all his athletic gifts struggled, 7th-round pick Purdy impressed from the first snap under center, and led the team deep into the playoffs.

Don't judge Darnold solely on past performances. He played on weak teams and for many coaches who couldn't retain their jobs. The 49ers likely believe their more stable environment and wealth of talent can produce better results.

I haven't seen much of Trey Lance to get excited about. I like the Darnold signing. And you can bet the 49ers vetted him deeply.

Story by Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle:

This week, the 49ers signed QB Sam Darnold to an incentive-heavy contract with a maximum value of $11.5 million to … compete with Lance to become the 49ers’ backup?

The decision to add Darnold, 25, the No. 3 pick in the 2018 draft, and the details of his one-year deal, invite more questions about Lance, 22, whose four uneven career starts mean he remains a mystery two years after the 49ers traded up to select him with the No. 3 pick.

The addition of Darnold suggests a disconnect between the 49ers’ words and actions on how they view their QB position in 2023 and, by extension, Lance’s ability to lead a Super Bowl contender, if necessary.

SNIP

The 49ers appeared to be eager to add Darnold, a five-year veteran with 55 career starts. On Monday, about five hours after teams and players could begin negotiating contracts, it was first reported that Darnold had agreed to terms on a deal that has $3.5 million guaranteed and includes $7 million in incentives.

LINK (paywall): https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/49ers/article/49ers-signing-qb-sam-darnold-mean-trey-lance-17841055.php

[calguy]

1. I have to agree

I think Lance is a bust. I think Brock Purdy is their qb of the future, provided he can continue to play at the level he did went he went in for an injured Jimmy G. Whether or not he can, after the opposing defences study his game film and exploit his weaknesses, remains to be seen. I think the starting position is Purdy's to lose, and they signed Darnold as an insurance policy.

As far as Lance is concerned, I'd get rid of him and move on. He hasn't shown me a thing, except that he seems to be injury prone right off the bat.

[underpants]

2. Darnold can make any throw he needs to

I’d say that the Jets are probably sorry now for letting him go but they did get 3 picks for him. I haven’t look into what they did with them but I’d bet it was a big part of how they have such a good D.

Is Purdy expected to be recovered and ready? That could be a factor here too.

[Auggie]

4. Purdy is on schedule to be ready Week One ...

but that remains to be seen. If the 49ers first game is against a non-division opponent at home (or a weak team on the road) I think we might see Lance or Darnold start instead.

[Clash City Rocker]

3. Trey and Brock are both coming back from injury

Darnold is obviously a short-term acquisition; they need to know that someone will be able to start at QB at the beginning of the season.