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NFL 2023: Predicting the starting QB for all 32 teams pre-NFL Free Agency

By Sayre Bedinger

2023 NFL offseason: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers runs onto the field before a game against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field on January 08, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
2023 NFL offseason: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers runs onto the field before a game against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field on January 08, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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San Francisco 49ers, 2023 NFL offseason
2023 NFL offseason: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 29, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) /

San Francisco 49ers: Brock Purdy/Trey Lance

Possible backup options: Sam Darnold, Brett Rypien

The San Francisco 49ers are both in an enviable position and stuck between a rock and a hard place. How does this team move forward at the QB position with clarity?

Jimmy Garoppolo played well for them this past season, but that ship is going to officially set sail in 2023. I think it was shocking enough to see him back with the 49ers in 2022, but both sides were lucky it worked out the way it did in terms of the 49ers getting Jimmy back on a reduced deal, and Jimmy actually getting the chance to play and increase his value in 2023 NFL free agency.

Moving forward, will it be Trey Lance or Brock Purdy? The 49ers traded a lot to move up and get Lance, who suffered a season-ending injury early on in 2022. Brock Purdy obviously was Mr. Irrelevant in 2022 and came on late in the season to earn some rookie of the year recognition. He was simply outstanding for this 49ers team down the stretch and led them to a playoff win.

I don’t know how you could pivot off of Purdy, but Lance is the guy they invested so much in. There’s an element of concern with both of these players in terms of their health as well. Lance had an ankle injury and Purdy had a UCL (elbow) injury that is common for baseball players.

There’s not a clear picture here for either player in terms of their health so the 49ers are really going to be counting on team doctors and trainers to get these guys right for the season. It’s possible both are healthy on kickoff weekend.

It wouldn’t be shocking, in the slightest, to see someone like Brett Rypien brought in as a backup here, or maybe the 49ers take a swing on a reclamation project like Sam Darnold. You can’t help but love the idea of Darnold with Kyle Shanahan and his staff.

If I were placing a bet on it right now, I would say Purdy opens the year as the starter.

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