49ers GM Lynch on Trey Lance: ‘The most likely option is that he’s here’
John Lynch weighs in on 49ers QB3 Trey Lance, expects him back in the building and to play vs. Chargers
Trey Lance is expected to return to the facility on Thursday and will play in the preseason finale against the Los Angeles Chargers on Friday night.
In the first of his weekly appearances on the 49ers’ flagship radio station KNBR, general manager John Lynch did his best to explain the events of the previous day, which saw Lance miss practice and the club essentially go silent on his status.
Neither coach Kyle Shanahan nor Lynch spoke to the media, instead opting to use their flagship platform to explain Lance’s reaction to being ranked third behind Brock Purdy and Sam Darnold. Lynch stated that he did not expect the news to spread and that “things don’t stay quiet for long in today’s world.”
Shanahan gave a taped interview to KNBR on Wednesday afternoon.
The 49ers take on the Chargers at Levi’s Stadium on Friday at 7 p.m. Lance has yet to respond, and the club has no media access scheduled for Thursday.
During a 15-minute interview, Lynch stated that “everybody is in a good place” and that Lance remaining with the 49ers is “the most likely option” going forward, rather than a trade or release.
Some highlights include:
Lance’s reaction to the news
“I can tell you Trey handled it extremely well and with class.” He was devastated, and he was right to be. You’ll be devastated if you put your heart and soul into something and it doesn’t come to fruition. He’s that kind of competitor. But we’re in a good position. He’ll be back in the building today, and we’ll continue.”
Why wasn’t Lance at practice?
“It hit Trey in the gut. He’d really gone for it and thought he was doing well, which he was. I believe it was a mutual decision to go home and relax.”
Possibility of trade, release, or remaining with the 49ers
“We’re very pleased with Trey.” That’s probably the most likely explanation for his presence. We would not turn a blind eye if we could find Trey a landing spot that is both good for him and good for our organization. But that isn’t where our attention is right now. Our focus is on Trey returning and us being the best football team… right now, Trey is a member of the team, and we’re going to move forward with that in mind.”
According to The Athletic, Lance has been shopped since the draft.
“If I responded to every report, I’d have no time in my day,” she says, “but that’s not true.”
Lance is taking on the Chargers.
“I believe that is the plan. He’s our No. 3 quarterback right now, and I believe that’s what we’d expect to see him after Sam’s done tomorrow.”
Whether Lance or his representatives have asked for a trade
“Trey has returned to the building, and we’re going to work.” We’re still wrapping up training camp. Trey understands it, and so do we. That’s where we are.”
The Darnold-Lance rivalry
“I think we saw the best of both of them, and they both had their moments, but I was especially excited to see Sam Darnold and his abilities.” From a distance, you can see how talented a player he is, and you wonder how he’ll fit in with us. We expected him to thrive in our system. He’s already done it. Trey made incredible strides this year, and I believe his performances reflected that. I give him a lot of credit because we didn’t design an offense that highlighted a lot of Trey’s abilities, and I believe he grew as a result.”
Nick Bosa is a holdout.
“I’m not happy with the situation. We haven’t had a holdout of that magnitude since we’ve been here, so it’s not something I’m comfortable with. We’re doing everything we can to change that. We’re in constant contact with his representatives. He’s a special player, and he’ll get a special contract, I can assure you. But, yes, we’re getting closer and eager to finish this thing. “I believe I’ll leave it at that.”
