The San Francisco 49ers know who they want as their starting quarterback for the 2023 NFL season. Speaking with the reporters at this week’s owner’s meetings, 49ers’ general manager John Lynch said that Brock Purdy, the final pick in last year’s draft, has “earned” the right to be the team’s first choice at the position.
Purdy underwent elbow surgery this offseason that will keep him out of action for a significant amount of time. But if he was healthy, there would be no doubt in Lynch’s mind about the team’s starter in Week 1.
“We’ve always said we don’t care where you were drafted, if you were drafted, that’s always been our stance,” Lynch told reporters. “We’re still very excited about Trey [Lance], but I think the way Brock played, he probably has earned that right to be the guy.”
Purdy started his rookie season as the 49ers’ third-string QB but got an unexpected chance to start after Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo suffered season-ending injuries. The Iowa product won his first seven starts before going down with an injury in the NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The 23-year-old threw for 1,374 yards, 13 touchdowns, and four picks during the regular part of the season.
If Purdy isn’t available for Week 1, the 49ers will likely go with Lance, their third-overall pick in 2021. They also signed former New York Jets and Carolina Panthers signal-caller Sam Darnold in free agency to add depth at the position.
