Lynch, 49ers ‘unbelievably impressed’ with Darnold this season

SANTA CLARA — The 49ers have determined to take no possibilities with Professional Bowl quarterback Brock Purdy within the regular-season finale.

And that opens the door for backup quarterback Sam Darnold to indicate if his practice-field prowess carries over into video games whereas working the 49ers’ offense.

“As a corporation, we’re simply thrilled with him,” 49ers normal supervisor John Lynch mentioned of Darnold whereas showing Friday morning on KNBR’s “Murph & Markus.”

“And I feel everybody is happy he has a chance to go play this week and see what he can go get accomplished towards the Rams.”

Darnold is set to make his first begin with the 49ers on Sunday of their Week 18 recreation towards the Los Angeles Rams at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers clinched the NFC’s No. 1 playoff seed, prompting the group to maintain Purdy on the sideline for the sport.

Darnold, 26, signed a one-year contract with the 49ers within the offseason at a time when it was unsure how Purdy would reply after surgical procedure in March to restore a torn ligament in his throwing elbow.

He clearly beat out Trey Lance for the backup job, prompting the 49ers to commerce Lance to the Dallas Cowboys for a fourth-round choose within the 2024 NFL Draft. The 49ers traded as much as choose Lance at No. 3 total in 2021.

Darnold entered the NFL in 2018 because the No. 3 choose of the New York Jets, the place he largely struggled in 38 begins over three seasons.

Then, as a part of an equally inept Carolina group the previous two seasons, Darnold began 17 video games with the Panthers, going 8-9 in these appearances.

Darnold signed a one-year, $4.5 million contract with the 49ers within the offseason.

“I used to be unbelievably impressed as a result of Sam may’ve accomplished quite a lot of issues this offseason,” Lynch mentioned. “I feel he may’ve made more cash elsewhere, however Sam wished to be a part of what we had. He wished to be a part of going into the lab with Kyle Shanahan and his offensive coaches.

“And he knew that may imply backing Brock Purdy up. We had been clear, ‘Hey, if Brock’s wholesome, he’s our man.’”

In restricted enjoying time this season, Darnold has accomplished 12 of 20 move makes an attempt for 108 yards with one landing and one interception.

There’s little query as to why Darnold entered the NFL as such a coveted draft choose. He’s a gifted thrower who, apparently, continues to look the half this week whereas sharing observe snaps with Purdy.

“He’s earned all people’s respect and, my goodness, is he a proficient thrower,” Lynch mentioned of Darnold. “Once more, yesterday out at observe, he can do some issues. You discuss (about) arm expertise — it’s a buzzword that’s thrown round — however if you wish to see what arm expertise is, simply watch Sam Darnold.

“He can do some particular issues with the ball.”

Darnold’s contract expires on the finish of this season, and it’s clear the 49ers need him again. The one query is whether or not there might be higher alternatives for him elsewhere within the NFL.

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