TheSan Francisco 49ershave found themselves in a unique situation, particularly at the quarterback position.
They used top-three draft capital on Trey Lance in 2021, who has only started four career games, largely due to injuries.
Last season, Brock Purdy was able to fill in nicely for Lance and Garoppolo, leading the 49ers to the NFC Championship.
He too, however, succumbed to injury, and his ability to start the 2023 season has now been called into question.
With this in mind, the 49ers brought in Sam Darnold as a third option in case Lance and Purdy were unable to go.
In a recentconversationwith NBC Sports Jennifer Lee Chan, Darnold called learning the 49ers offense, a work in progress, via the NFL s website.
QB Sam Darnold: Learning Niners’ offense “a work in progress”pic.twitter.com/ZQGFlHPMuN
Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) July 5, 2023
Darnold is a former first-round draft pick and has spent time with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers.
The 49ers system is likely the best that he s been around, and with any luck, will be able to hone his craft.
Darnold s best statistical season thus far was in 2019.
In 13 games as the Jets starter, Darnold led the team to a 7-6 record and totaled 3,024 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.
If he gets a chance to earn the 49ers starting gig, Darnold will be handed the keys to the best offensive help of his career.
What he ll be able to accomplish remains to be seen.
Ultimately, the 49ers starting quarterback is still up on the air but is a situation that will become clearer in the weeks leading up to the season.
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