Five years ago, the San Francisco 49ers made a bold move that still echoes through the NFL today. On March 26, 2021, they orchestrated a trade with the Miami Dolphins, moving up to the No. 3 spot in the NFL Draft.
Their target? Quarterback Trey Lance.
The Niners gave up a hefty package-three first-round picks and a third-rounder-to secure their choice. At the time, it seemed like a calculated risk, but in hindsight, the decision has sparked much debate among fans and analysts alike.
Lance, unfortunately, didn’t pan out as hoped. With just 102 regular-season passes, a completion rate of 56, and a 2-2 record in his starts over two seasons, the return on investment was far from what the team had envisioned.
By 2023, it became clear that Brock Purdy was the future under center for San Francisco. Lance was traded to the Dallas Cowboys, where he only managed one start, and now, as a backup for the Los Angeles Chargers, he’s seen limited action. It’s a tough pill to swallow considering the draft capital spent on him.
Hindsight is always 20/20, and some fans enjoy pondering the “what ifs.” What if the 49ers had chosen Mac Jones instead?
Jones seemed to fit well into Kyle Shanahan’s system last season, and perhaps starting his career in San Francisco could have changed the team’s trajectory. Imagine a scenario where Purdy still joins the roster as a backup, potentially leading the Niners to a Super Bowl victory.
Yet, fortune smiled on San Francisco in the form of Brock Purdy, snagged with the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. His emergence has been a game-changer, raising questions about what might have been had he not stepped up.
Would Jimmy Garoppolo still be leading the charge? Or maybe Sam Darnold?
Reflecting on that pivotal day in March, it’s clear that the ripple effects of that decision continue to shape the franchise’s path. The 49ers’ journey since then has been a rollercoaster, full of unexpected turns and surprising outcomes.