Jimmy Garoppolo trade still hangs on whether Trey Lance is ‘the guy’

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It’s almost a given that Trey Lance, 2021’s third overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers, will suit up in Week 1 to lead the offense.

The pending move lies with his predecessor, Jimmy Garoppolo, who’s expected to be traded sooner than later. At least, that’s what we assumed.

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ESPN NFL reporter Adam Schefter appeared on the Ari Meirov NFL Show to discuss the Niners’ plan with juggling Garoppolo and Lance over the offseason. According to Schefter, Garoppolo isn’t expected to hightail, just yet, based on their current evaluation of Lance’s development.

Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers walks off the field after being defeated by the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game at SoFi Stadium on January 30, 2022 in Inglewood, California. The Rams defeated the 49ers 20-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

"I’m just telling you that Trey Lance was probably further behind than people realized."

Schefter then delved into the gaps in Lance’s resumé that may justify any perceived rust or sluggish development.

"Trey Lance is greener than people realize. Trey Lance is going to need more work than people realize, and they have a roster that can win now. …

"He didn’t play college football at all two years ago," Schefter noted. "He’s coming from a small school [North Dakota State] to begin with and there is a steep learning curve for a quarterback like that who’s blessed with a lot of talent, who they’re still very high on."

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (5) passes against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif.,