Trey Lance may be sticking around San Francisco — at least for now.
49ers general manager John Lynch told KNBR radio on Thursday that, though they are exploring the trade market for the 2021 No. 3 overall pick, Lance likely will start the season as the team’s third-string quarterback.
“We’re very happy with Trey,” Lynch said. “The most likely option is that he’s here. If we can find a landing spot for Trey that is a really good one for him and works for our organization, that’s not something that we’d turn a blind eye to. But that’s not where our focus is right now.
“Our focus is on Trey getting back here and us being the best football team. We’re getting close to [Week 1 against] Pittsburgh.”
Lance, who opened the 2022 season as San Francisco’s starting quarterback, was beat out in training camp this year by former Jets quarterback Sam Darnold for the 49ers’ backup job behind Brock Purdy.
The move came just over two years after the 49ers traded a package that included the 12th overall pick in 2021, first- and third-round picks in 2022 and a first-round pick in 2023 to draft the North Dakota State University product.
“Trey handled it incredibly well, with class,” Lynch said of the signal-caller learning he was the de facto No. 3 quarterback. “He was devastated, and rightly so. When you put your heart and soul into something and it doesn’t come to fruition, you’re going to be devastated. That’s the type of competitor he is.
“But we’re in a good place, he’ll be back in the building today and we’re moving forward.”
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Wednesday that Lance’s future with the 49ers was “in some doubt” and that the franchise “will now explore options with him” after he lost out on the backup role.
Lance has looked inconsistent while running the team’s offense during training camp and preseason.
During a preseason start against the Raiders, Lance went 10-of-15 for 112 yards and a touchdown but narrowly avoided multiple interceptions after two Las Vegas drops.
He was also sacked four times.