Could the Patriots make a move for QB Trey Lance?
Former third overall pick Trey Lance could be on the move via a trade. Could the New England Patriots make a move for the quarterback? The short answer should be yes. Lance could be on the move, and according to Ian Rapoport, teams have called the San Francisco 49ers about Lance, who was taken with the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Sources: The #49ers have received inquiries from several teams looking into a potential trade for former No. 3 pick QB Trey Lance. The conversations have been the result of SF fielding the calls, not making them, with teams aware that Brock Purdy is likely the future starter. pic.twitter.com/ddOZjZq5Xn
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 19, 2023
Lance hardly played his rookie season, but that was part of the plan. Jimmy Garoppolo was still the starter at the time, and it became clear that the 49ers wanted to redshirt Lance before moving on from Jimmy G following the season.
That kind of didn’t happen, as Garoppolo returned as the primary backup in 2022 as Lance was named the starter. Trey Lance broke his ankle early in the 2022 season, and after Garoppolo came in, played well, and got hurt, that paved the way for Brock Purdy.
It seems like this is Purdy’s team now, and the 49ers are probably open to trading Lance for the right price. I don’t see how the Patriots don’t at least call. The Pats’ plan at the position looks to be Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe, which isn’t very encouraging.
What might be more encouraging for the Patriots is them taking a swing on Lance and to see if offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien can make something happen there. He’s work with young quarterbacks in the past, so I’d trust him to get the most out of Lance.
Furthermore, I do think the 49ers would have interest in a trade package involving Bailey Zappe, who appears to have most of the qualities of a successful QB in Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system.
What if the Patriots packaged Zappe and a third round pick and offer that for Trey Lance? Would that get it done?
The Niners certainly are not getting a first round pick back for Lance; that just is not going to happen, so this might be an excellent chance for the Pats to buy low on a high-ceiling player.