Kyle Shanahan admitted this week that it will be challenging for Trey Lance to beat out Brock Purdy to be the starting quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers.

Both Lance and Purdy will be returning from injuries this offseason, though Lance is expected back earlier. 

“I think it’s going to be harder for him to [win the starting QB job],” Shanahan said Wednesday at the league’s annual meeting. “Brock played eight games. Trey had that job going into last season and if he would’ve played eight games like that, no one else would’ve been able to come in and beat him out. But with Brock being hurt, it does open him up. It does give him a chance.

“I don’t know how Brock’s going to come back. I don’t know exactly when he’s going to come back. So, I don’t have an exact answer for that. But right now, because he is hurt, it’s nice to focus on Trey, it’s nice to focus on Sam and see how they do at OTAs and — most likely — see how they’re playing leading into training camp because I think it will take some time for Brock.”

hanahan said Lance is doing well in his rehab and has been throwing.

“He’s been traveling around, working with some quarterback coaches throwing the ball and I’m excited to get into Phase I [of the offseason program] and we can start working together,” Shanahan said.

The San Francisco 49ers will have Brock Purdy, Trey Lance and Sam Darnold compete for the starting quarterback job in training camp, but Purdy is "the leader in the clubhouse," according to John Lynch.

Purdy underwent offseason elbow surgery, but is expected to be ready for the start of camp.

Lance is coming off two surgeries to repair a broken ankle.

The San Francisco 49ers have acquired Zane Gonzalez in a trade with the Carolina Panthers.

In exchange for the kicker, the 49ers agreed to a conditional swap of late-round picks in the 2025 NFL draft with the Panthers.

San Francisco is likely to move on from longtime kicker Robbie Gould this offseason. Gould was one of the Niners' first free agent signings after Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch took over in 2017. He made 87.5% of his field goals and all 21 of his postseason field goals in six seasons with the 49ers.

During an appearance with Mark Madden of 105.9 The X on Tuesday, Ben Roethlisberger said he had conversation with the San Francisco 49ers about coming out of retirement during the 2022 season.

The 49ers lost Trey Lance in Week 2, then later in the year Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a foot injury and rookie Brock Purdy was thrust into a starting role.

"They were, I think, reaching out maybe just to gauge my interest," Roethlisberger said. "I had discussions. ... I'd be lying if I didn't say there was a small part of me that was intrigued. I could still do it and prove to people that I could still play. At the end of the day, I just can't see myself in anything other than black and gold."

The San Francisco 49ers have agreed to a one-year deal with Sam Darnold, according to a report.

Darnold is expected to serve as insurance at quarterback behind Trey Lance and Brock Purdy.

The Denver Broncos are working to improve their offensive line.

Denver will sign right tackle Mike McGlinchey to a five-year deal worth $87.5 million with $50 million guaranteed, according to sources. McGlinchey started every game for the San Francisco 49ers this past season.

The Broncos will also sign guard Ben Powers to a four-year contract worth $52 million, including $28.5 million guaranteed, according to sources.

The 26-year-old led the Ravens with 1,096 snaps, becoming the team's only player to participate in every offensive play.

The San Francisco 49ers have agreed to a four-year, $84 million deal with defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, per reports.

Hargrave's new deal includes $40 million in guaranteed money.

He had spent the last three seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, including a career-high 11 sacks in 2022.

The Houston Texans and Las Vegas Raiders are expected to pursue Jimmy Garoppolo in free agency, sources tell ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Garoppolo is expected to finally leave the San Francisco 49ers this offseason as they pivot to Trey Lance and Brock Purdy.

The New York Jets could also pursue Garoppolo if they are unable to trade for Aaron Rodgers. 

Tashaun Gipson has agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $2.9 million with the San Francisco 49ers, according to a source.

Gipson started all 20 games (including playoffs) for the Niners at safety in 2022, posting five interceptions, which tied for second most in the NFL.

The NFL has announced the compensatory picks for the 2023 NFL draft, with the San Francisco 49ers leading with way with seven selections.

The league issued 37 compensatory picks.

San Francisco's picks came following the departures of head coaches Robert Saleh (New York Jets), Mike McDaniel (Miami Dolphins) and DeMeco Ryans (Houston Texans), as well as general managers Martin Mayhew (Washington Commanders) and Ran Carthon (Tennessee Titans) in recent years.

Sixteen teams received compensatory picks.

The Niners and Los Angeles Rams picked up the maximum allowable four additional picks under the compensatory free agent formula.