who will be the 49ers starting qb in 2023?

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Santa Clara, California (PSF) — The San Francisco 49ers saw their season come to an end Sunday, as they fell to the top-seeded Philadelphia Eagles by a score of 31-7. The game started off competitive before injuries to Brock Purdy and then his replacement Josh Johnson left the offense without a competent passing attack. 

Many would look at the 49ers' season as a massive success, and it’s easy to see why. Despite dealing with injuries to their starting and backup quarterbacks in Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo, they found a way to win the NFC West and come a game away from making the Super Bowl. This loss marks the beginning of what is likely to be a turbulent offseason. Garoppolo is slated to hit free agency, and all indications have been that he will sign elsewhere. This narrows down the 49ers' overcrowded quarterback room to Lance and Purdy. 

What San Francisco does from there is still up for debate. Lance was the third overall pick in 2021 and has only played sparingly. Purdy, while much lower rated coming out of college, has more pro reps and led the 49ers' playoff run this season.

Two quarterback systems are not a thing in the NFL and San Francisco will have to choose which quarterback they want to enter battle with next season. The team has significantly more invested in Lance but has seen more from Purdy. There is also a stylistic difference between the two. Lance’s athleticism and rushing ability make him more of a dual-threat quarterback that often likes to break the pocket, while Purdy has become more of a pocket passer that primarily plays inside of structure.

This debate has already divided much of the 49ers fanbase and will likely do the same to the locker room. The 49ers made a statement move when they selected Lance third overall in 2021. They have been more than willing to roll the dice from time to time, and with a key decision lying ahead, it is clear that headlines will be made.