The San Francisco 49ers named Sam Darnold their backup quarterback over Trey Lance, report Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
San Francisco signed Darnold to a one-year contract this year. He joined a quarterback depth chart headlined by 2022 seventh-round pick Brock Purdy, who took over as QB1 midway through last season. Purdy underwent elbow surgery during the offseason but is expected to play Week 1.
The 49ers’ decision leaves Lance’s future uncertain, as he’s failed to meet the high expectations since entering the NFL as the third overall pick in 2021. The 49ers traded up to select Lance that year in a deal that involved three of their first-round picks.