SANTA CLARA — Trae Lance’s tenure with the 49ers has not been fruitful.
It was so clear. And 49ers general manager John Lynch addressed the Dallas Cowboys on Friday night about trading Lance, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
“Yeah, (it was) a really tough day,” Lynch said on the KPIX-TV broadcast of the 49ers’ preseason finale against the Los Angeles Chargers. “(Lance) is a wonderful young man.
“We took a shot and it didn’t work out. That’s on us. We take responsibility for that.
Hours before kickoff Friday, the 49ers traded Lance to the Cowboys for a 2024 fourth-round draft pick.
Although Lance hasn’t gotten many opportunities with the 49ers and has fallen down the team’s depth chart this summer, Lynch said he believes the 23-year-old Lance has time to salvage an NFL career.
“I think his story is very underwritten,” Lynch said. “I’m excited for Drake. Dallas stepped up and really liked him. They’ve been following him. I think it’s going to be a great landing spot for him.
Lance was the starting quarterback a year ago to open the 2022 NFL season. But he lasted less than five quarters before suffering a season-ending foot injury. Lance didn’t get another chance to run with the starters last season as Brock Purdy stepped up and won the job as the team’s permanent starter.
“I can tell everybody that it didn’t work because there was no effort on Trey’s part or our part,” Lynch said. “Conditions caught up, he battled through injuries and this team is ready to win.
“We love our quarterback room. We really like Brock Birdie, we like Sam Darnold, we like Brandon Allen.
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Lance joins the Cowboys’ current quarterback room, which features starter Dak Prescott, backup Cooper Rush and third-stringer Will Grier.
“We wish Trey all the best in Dallas and will always care for the young man and admire his work ethic and the person he is,” Lynch said.
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