Lance Draft Miss: 49ers' Value Beyond Him

0:00It's March 22nd, from kickoff to the final whistle. This is NFL News Today, powered by AI, I'm Cory with the story. The San Francisco 49ers 2021 NFL Draft will always be remembered for one big swing and miss. They traded up to the third overall pick to grab quarterback Tray Lance from North Dakota State, betting big on his raw potential despite just one. Full college season. They kicked off endless debates heading into draft night, pitting him against options like Mag Jones, but Lance became the choice that shaped the franchise's storyline. Lance showed flashes early, but injuries derailed him fast. He started a couple games in 2022 before a broken foot sideline him for the year, paving the way for Jimmy Garoppolo and eventual. Starter, Brock Purdy. The 49ers traded him to the Dallas Cowboys, where he stuck for two seasons, then he landed with the Los Angeles Chargers under Jim Harbaugh in 2025. His loan start that year was rough.

1:00Twenty of 44 for 134 yards and a pick six, yet they resigned him for a one-year deal, where it's $6.75 million. Fans still cringe over Lance over shadowing a solid rest of the draft, with several picks developing into starters the team couldn't afford to keep. Guys like Guard Aaron Banks earned a $4.77 million pack with the Green Bay Packers after stepping a big and tackle, Jalen. More snagged a two-year, $30 million contract from the Kansas City Chiefs as a reliable swing option. Meanwhile, cornerback, Deamador-Linwar stuck around, signing a five-year, $88.88 million extension and holding down a, starting spot through a down 2025 season. Safety to Lana Hufanga, thrilled crowds with big plays before injuries hit, but he stayed healthy for 17 games with the Deamber Broncos last, year, racking up 106 tackles, running backs Tray Sermon and Elijah Mitchell fizzled out quick due to fumbles and injuries, strip

2:03away Lance, and this draft delivered real value amid salary cap squeezes, setting up the 49ers for tougher choices down the line. I know Baxi has always Kyle Shanahan era.