The Future of 49ers QB Position: An Uncertain Journey
The San Francisco 49ers' season officially came to an end with a loss in the NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles, with a final score of 31-7. Despite an overall impressive season, the team was plagued by injury issues, particularly at the quarterback position.
However, with one of the league's most formidable defenses, they were well equipped to make a deep playoff run, which they did by making it to the conference championship game.
Going into the 2022 season, the team chose Trey Lance as their starting quarterback ahead of former starter Jimmy Garoppolo. Lance had a rough outing in Week 1 with a loss to the Chicago Bears (19-10) and threw for 164 passing yards and one interception.
Unfortunately, in Week 2, he suffered an ankle injury that required surgery, ending his season and leading Garoppolo to take over and lead the team to a win against the Seattle Seahawks (27-7).
Garoppolo, who had a strong start to the season, was also felled by injury in Week 13 against the Miami Dolphins. This left the 49ers with their third-choice quarterback.
Brock Purdy was the last pick of the 2022 NFL draft (262nd overall). Despite being a rookie, Purdy had an impressive run, leading the team to a 5-0 record in games played and helping the team end the regular season with a 13-4 record.
He continued his impressive showing in the playoffs, winning against the Seattle Seahawks and Dallas Cowboys in the Wild Card and divisional rounds, respectively.
#49ers QB Brock Purdy needs Tommy John surgery and is expected to miss about a year, according to notable orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mark Adickens.
A return in 6-9 months is unlikely.
Adickens is a former NFL player himself, was the 5th overall pick in the 1984 supplemental draft. https://t.co/tv7UlSpcag
However, in the NFC Championship game, Purdy suffered a torn UCL on the sixth play and was replaced by backup Josh Johnson, who also suffered a concussion during the game. This left the team's quarterback position in question heading into the offseason.
Who will take the reigns at quarterback for the 49ers?
With Garoppolo as a free agent and Lance still recovering from his ankle surgery, rumors swirled that Tom Brady would join San Francisco as their lead quarterback. However, Brady announced his retirement on February 1st, leaving the 49ers in search of a solution at quarterback.
for Trey Lance 
for Brock Purdy
Who should be the 49ers starting QB next season? 🤔
❤️ for Trey Lance
🔁 for Brock Purdy https://t.co/NFdmu02ym6
There are several options for the 49ers, including offering Garoppolo a new contract, hoping for a quick recovery from Purdy, or drafting a new quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Each option has its pros and cons, and the team will have to weigh them carefully before making a decision. Regardless of what the team chooses, their quarterback position remains a question mark heading into the 2023 season.