49ers GM John Lynch on Trey Lance trade: “We took a shot and it didn’t work out”

The San Francisco 49ers ended an era that began with arguably the worst draft trade in franchise history, moving quarterback Trey Lance for a 2024 fourth-round pick from the Dallas Cowboys just two years after investing three first-rounders into acquiring the signal-caller.

Lance, whose future in San Francisco seemed marred after Sam Darnold was named the backup quarterback, now finds a new destination, where he'll compete to fight for a starting job.

Speaking with radio hosts Greg Papa and Co. general manager John Lynch shared that the 49ers take accountability for their mistake, and still believes that Lance can be a top quarterback in the NFL.

"Really hard day. Such a wonderful young man," Lynch shared. "We took a shot and it didn't work out. We own that. We take accountability for it but I think, as I think you guys do, his story is very much still unwritten."

Lynch revealed that the Cowboys distanced the gap between them and other suitors for Lance recently, furthering that he believes in the backup quarterback still.

"I'm excited for Trey. Dallas stepped up and really wanted him and they came after him and I think it's going to be a great landing spot for him. I can tell everybody, it wasn't for lack of effort on Trey's part or on our part that it didn't work," Lynch said.

Injuries killed multiple opportunities for Trey Lance, who started just two games in his rookie season before a fractured ankle derailed his sophomore season through just five quarters.

"Circumstances took hold and he struggled through injuries and this team's ready to win and we like our quarterback room. We like Brock Purdy, we like Sam Darnold and we like Brandon Allen," Lynch said. So we wish Trey all the best in Dallas. We'll always care about that young man and admire his work ethic and the person that he is.

Now, Lance is on his way out, heading to Dallas in a deal that has put an end to his career in a 49ers uniform.