There were speculations of a potential Kirk Cousins deal from Minnesota to San Francisco at this year's Scouting Combine. The fact that the 49ers and Vikings had conversations about another quarterback may have given rise to those allegations.
The two teams discussed Trey Lance, according to a league source.
The source is unsure of whether that is happening right now. Since then, the Cousins contract has been restructured by the Vikings. If the Vikings deal Cousins before June 1, they would suffer a large cap penalty ($38 million).
Yet, the Vikings require a solution until 2024 and beyond. It's not apparent if they genuinely believe Lance holds the key.
Lance hasn't played much football during the past three years, which is an issue. The epidemic drastically curtailed his 2020 season. Despite the preseason anticipation that he would be used heavily in a Taysom Hill-style package, he played very little in 2021. After taking over as the regular starter in 2022, Lance's season was cut short by an ankle injury in Week 2.
It is now very clear that the 49ers want to move on. Prior to it, G.M.Lance is still accessible. Lance might find a new home for 2023 with the Vikings or another team (like the Titans or Texans). He needed John Lynch to keep the possibility of a trade open for his sake. More recently, the rumor that the 49ers are "fielding" calls (in reality, they may be initiating them) has had one useful consequence: it spreads the idea that Lance is in play.
He requires a new beginning. The real concern is how much the 49ers will demand for him. Jimmy Garoppolo couldn't be traded since they overpaid for him. Given the significant financial commitment they made to acquire Lance (three first-round picks and a third-round pick), will the 49ers try to preserve some face? or wouldthey respond to criticism by pointing out that they also selected Brock Purdy, their current starter, with the final pick in the 2022 draft?
Lance is still accessible. Lance might find a new home for 2023 with the Vikings or another team (like the Titans or Texans). He requires one for his own reason. ds one.
