49ers GM John Lynch address trade market for Lance, Aiyuk, Bosa
John Lynch expects Trey Lance to remain part of the 49ers' quarterback group and that it would take a substantial offer to deal for the No. 3 overall pick in 2021.
SANTA CLARA — John Lynch’s pre-draft press conference Monday revolved more so around the 49ers’ trade market.
What is Trey Lance’s fate? Is Brandon Aiyuk staying put? Heck, what about Nick Bosa?
Lynch’s most definitive answer came in shooting down the wild notion Bosa might be shopped, rather than being extended the NFL’s richest contract ever for a non-quarterback, with that deal expected in late July.
“That hotline is closed. That never opened,” Lynch said of a Bosa trade.
Lynch did not openly endorse trading away Lance or Aiyuk, nor did the 49ers’ general manager deny that a substantial offer could sway them to deal Lance, a still-raw quarterback who was drafted No. 3 overall in 2021.
“There’s a lot of smoke, really. It hasn’t been extremely active,” Lynch said. “It’s not like we put it out there, ‘Hey, we’re taking offers for Trey. Call 1-800- … ’ That’s not been the process.
“People’s job is to ask questions. Has that happened on a couple of occasions? Sure. But it hasn’t been that substantive,” Lynch added. “We’re focused as is Trey on his ability to compete and play an integral role on this team.”
When asked Saturday about trade rumors, Lance told Inforum.com he had “no information” on that. Lynch, however, said Monday he’s talked with Lance and filled him in on “the situation.”
Brock Purdy essentially overtook Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo for the starting role by winning eight games last season before tearing an elbow ligament in the 49ers’ NFC Championship Game loss.
Purdy is six weeks removed from elbow surgery and “definitely on schedule and hitting all the checkpoints,” Lynch said. That leaves him six weeks away from throwing footballs. Until he’s healthy, Lance is the best man on campus to run the offense in the offseason program, although veteran Sam Darnold joined the mix last month.
“I expect Trey to be here. We’re excited about Trey’s ability to compete and what he can do for our franchise,” Lynch added. “The only thing that’s changed this offseason is Trey has gone and got himself healthy.”
Lance has started four games (2-2) and played in eight. His ankle injury in last season’s home opener came on just the 262nd snap of his career. He said that as of last month, his ankle is fully cleared. Lance spent Saturday watching his alma mater, North Dakota State, and his younger brother, Bryce, in their final spring practice.
“Last year I played the one game in Chicago and then got hurt, so it was kind of over before it even got started. But I am just excited for this year,” Lance told Inforum.com. “This offseason, just focusing on getting better. Focusing on getting these guys better in the locker room and just being a great teammate, a great leader.”
Two years ago, the 49ers selected Lance after trading up to No. 3 overall, sending first-round picks in 2021-23 to the Miami Dolphins, along with a 2022 third-rounder.
Aiyuk is one of Lance’s closest teammates, and after his first 1,000-yard season, the 49ers have yet to announce if they’ll use the 2024 fifth-year option for him or fellow 2020 first-rounder Javon Kinlaw. The bigger decision could come in 2024 when Deebo Samuel’s salary balloons to $21 million; Aiyuk’s fifth-year option could be in the $14 million range.
“We’re trying to do something special this year and Brandon is going to be a big part of that, and beyond, as well,” Lynch said. “We’re really excited about Brandon. He took a big step last year and the best is yet to come.”
The biggest step any 49ers’ player has taken in this regime’s six-year history was that of Bosa, their 2019 No. 2 overall selection who won NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors last season. He’s slated to make $18 million this year, but an extension should ensure an annual salary of over $30 million.
“I’ve stated many times that (Bosa extension) is a priority for this offseason,” Lynch said. “History says we have a really good track record doing that and making that come to fruition.”
Spending so much money on non-quarterbacks is the 49ers’ working business model, and that works against any idea they’d make a move for Lamar Jackson, the Baltimore Ravens’ franchise-tagged quarterback.
“We seem to be linked to everything,” Lynch said of any Jackson interest. “I can tell you how convicted we are on Brock and this group of guys.”