Payton believes the San Francisco 49ers will eventually replace their second-year quarterback with veteran Jimmy Garoppolo, the former starter now serving as Lance's backup.
As for Martz, he was less-than-impressed by Lance's first outing as a full-time starter.
"I've never seen anything about this kid that was encouraging at all," Martz said on the 33rd Team podcast.
While Payton wasn't as harsh as Martz, the coach obviously believes that inside the building, the 49ers organization might start second-guessing their quarterback situation.
"I think—and I believe this, don't kid yourself—I think at some point, we're going to see Garoppolo back in that lineup," Payton said Monday on The Herd.
Lance finished Sunday's rain-soaked regular-season opener against the Chicago Bears having completed 13-of-28 pass attempts for 164 yards and an interception while adding 54 rushing yards on 13 carries. It wasn't an impressive outing, but it was only the 22-year-old quarterback's third career NFL start.
Payton noted that he believes Garoppolo will eventually get onto the football field again, not because of an injury to Lance but because of a quarterback controversy.
"So here's the pickle if you're [general manager] John [Lynch] and if you're [head coach] Kyle [Shanahan]," Payton continued. "You drafted this kid so high, right? And man, it's hard to sell to the guy upstairs writing the check. Our little binky, our blanket, is Garoppolo, right?
"[They'll say], 'But we're going to start [Lance]. We're committed to starting him.' But at some point, [we have] the rest of the roster sitting there, ready to win."
Lance's next opportunity to prove his critics wrong will come on Sunday, at home against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers in free agency: 5 wide receivers who can replace Brandon Aiyuk
Before their win Monday night over Indianapolis, the San Francisco 49ers had officially clinched a playoff spot. Pittsburgh defeated Detroit in Week 16, making the NFC playoff picture clearer with two weeks to go in the regular season. This has been one of head coach Kyle... -
Will the 49ers allow Deommodore Lenoir to shadow Jaxon Smith-Njigba?
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba enters Saturday night's matchup as one of the NFL's most productive pass-catchers. He leads the league in receiving yards (1,709) and yards per touch (14.5), serving as a driving force behind Seattle's offensive success. While... -
49ers add explosiveness to offense in PFF's 2026 NFL mock draft
The San Francisco 49ers are expected to pursue a veteran wide receiver in free agency, especially with Brandon Aiyuk's time in the Bay Area appearing to wind down. But head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch may also use the 2026 NFL Draft to add another weapon... -
49ers vs. Seahawks: NFL insider suggests Trent Williams may miss Week 18
The San Francisco 49ers may be without left tackle Trent Williams—quarterback Brock Purdy's most trusted protector—when they face the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday night at Levi's Stadium. The Week 18 matchup will decide the NFC West champion and the NFC's No. 1 seed, giving...