The San Francisco 49ers end the Trey Lance chapter with a trade.

Trey Lance’s time in San Francisco is over. Some two and a half years after the 49ers selected the playmaker at number three in the draft to make him their new franchise quarterback, the 23-year-old is being traded.

General manager John Lynch confirmed the Niners have reached an agreement with the Dallas Cowboys to deal Lance for a fourth-round pick. The news puts an end to turbulent days in which the athlete was informed that Sam Darnold had beaten him to the backup role behind starter Brock Purdy.

Speaking to “KPIX” during the preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Lynch said it was a tough decision to pass on Lance.

“A really tough day. Such a wonderful young man. We tried and it didn’t work out. That’s our thing and we take responsibility for that. But I’m sure his story is far from written, I’m happy for Trey,” the GM said.

The 49ers will take on Lance’s guaranteed salary over the next two years – $940,000 in 2023 and $5.3 million in 2024 – according to US media. Dallas, in turn, has the right to decide whether to pick up his fifth-year option for 2025.

49ers trade Lance to Cowboys

For the Cowboys, Lance will join starting quarterback Dak Prescott, with Cooper Rush and Will Grier also on the roster as replacements. With the signing of Lance, Grier is expected to be released.

Lance was drafted at position three in 2023. In his first season he had to line up behind Jimmy Garoppolo for the most part. This past season, when he was supposed to be a starter, he suffered a serious ankle injury in week two that ended his season prematurely.

In two years with the Niners, he posted a record of 2-2, recorded 797 passing yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions.