NFL Analyst Critical of Trey Lance’s Fit With 49ers: ‘I’ve Seen Enough’

One preseason game from Trey Lance with the 49ers was enough for him.

It was a less-than-ideal start to the preseason for 49ers quarterback Trey Lance on Sunday and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky is ready to call it a wrap on the 23-year-old’s tenure in San Francisco.

“I don’t think Trey Lance can play in Kyle Shanahan’s offense,” the former NFL quarterback said on ESPN’s Get Up. “I’ve seen enough. 

Lance threw for 112 yards and one touchdown pass while completing 10-of-15 passes against the Raiders but was sacked four times in the 35–7 loss. Orlovsky cites Lance’s discomfort in the shotgun and inability to get rid of the ball quickly as two main reasons why it just won’t work in Kyle Shanahan’s system. 

"I don't think Trey Lance can play in Kyle Shanahan's offense. I've seen enough."

👀 @danorlovsky7 pic.twitter.com/pSMxcTg2Gi

— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) August 14, 2023

“The ball doesn’t come out quick enough for Trey right now,” Orlovsky continued. “After watching yesterday, he’s so much more comfortable as an under-center quarterback than a shotgun quarterback.” 

It’s been a turbulent first two years for Lance, and as the weeks roll on, his time in San Francisco appears to be pointing toward coming to an end before it ever really started. Lance was selected with the No. 3 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, and the expectation was that he’d be the franchise quarterback down the road. Since that point, it’s seemingly just been roadblock after roadblock over the years.

Lance served as a backup to Jimmy Garoppolo during his rookie year and was named the team’s starter in 2022 but suffered a season-ending ankle injury in just his second game of the year. This led to the emergence of Brock Purdy, who led the team to an NFC championship appearance. Purdy is the team’s starting quarterback as of now and there’s no telling where this leaves Lance in terms of his future.