Trey Lance, once heralded as one of the most promising quarterback prospects in the NFL, has had a career marked by high expectations, significant setbacks, and persistent questions about his future. Drafted third overall by the San Francisco 49ers in 2021, Lance’s journey has been anything but conventional.
From his meteoric rise as a college standout at North Dakota State to his struggles with injuries and limited playing time in the NFL, Lance’s story is one of resilience, potential, and ongoing speculation. This article delves into the latest developments in Trey Lance’s career, his performance metrics, the challenges he’s faced, and what the future might hold for the young quarterback, addressing the questions fans and analysts are asking online.
The Rise of a Phenom
Trey Lance burst onto the national stage at North Dakota State University (NDSU), where he showcased a rare blend of athleticism, arm strength, and poise that made him a top prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft. Born on May 9, 2000, in Marshall, Minnesota, Lance grew up in a football-loving family, with his father, Carlton Lance, having played as a cornerback in the Canadian Football League (CFL) for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Lance’s high school career at Marshall High School was impressive, but it was his time at NDSU that truly put him on the map.
At NDSU, Lance led the Bison to an undefeated 16-0 season in 2019, throwing for 2,786 yards, 28 touchdowns, and zero interceptions while adding 1,100 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns. His dual-threat ability drew comparisons to quarterbacks like Cam Newton and Dak Prescott, making him a tantalizing prospect for NFL teams. The San Francisco 49ers, desperate for a long-term solution at quarterback, traded three first-round picks and a third-round pick to move up to the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft to select Lance, signaling their belief in his potential to become a franchise cornerstone.
However, four years later, Lance’s career has taken unexpected turns. Injuries, competition, and limited opportunities have defined his NFL journey, leading to questions about his viability as a starter and even speculation about a potential move to the CFL. This article explores Lance’s career trajectory, his statistical performance, the impact of injuries, his recent move to the Los Angeles Chargers, and the ongoing debates about his future, drawing on the latest information available as of May 30, 2025.
Early NFL Career: High Hopes and Harsh Realities
When the San Francisco 49ers traded up to draft Trey Lance, the move was seen as a bold gamble by head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch. The 49ers were coming off a 6-10 season in 2020, with Jimmy Garoppolo’s injury history and inconsistent play prompting the team to seek a quarterback of the future. Lance, with only 17 collegiate starts, was a raw but immensely talented prospect, and the 49ers believed his dual-threat capabilities could elevate their offense.
However, the initial plan for Lance was cautious. In 2021, he served as Garoppolo’s backup, appearing in six games and starting two. His rookie season stats were modest: 71 pass attempts, 41 completions (57.7% completion rate), 603 passing yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions, along with 168 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.
Posts on X from 2023 and 2025 highlight the criticism Lance faced during this period, with some users pointing to his slow snap-to-release time (3.37 seconds, slowest in the NFL per PFF) and poor third-down conversion rate (29%, worst in the NFL since 2015) as signs of his struggles adapting to the professional level.
The 2022 Injury Setback
Named the 49ers’ starting quarterback for the 2022 season, Lance’s opportunity to prove himself was cut short in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks. A fractured right ankle ended his season after just two starts, during which he completed 15 of 31 passes for 194 yards and rushed for 67 yards.
This injury proved to be a turning point, as it opened the door for Brock Purdy, the last pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, to step in and lead the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game. Purdy’s unexpected success shifted the 49ers’ quarterback hierarchy, relegating Lance to a backup role and fueling speculation about his future with the team.
By August 2023, the 49ers traded Lance to the Dallas Cowboys for a fourth-round pick, a stark contrast to the draft capital they had invested in him just two years prior. The trade marked the end of Lance’s tenure in San Francisco and raised questions about whether the 49ers had ever truly believed in him.
Some analysts, as noted in an April 2025 Sports Illustrated article, speculated that Shanahan may have preferred Mac Jones, a more traditional pocket passer, over Lance, suggesting internal misalignment on the team’s quarterback vision.
The Dallas Cowboys Chapter: A Missed Opportunity
Lance’s move to the Dallas Cowboys in 2023 offered a fresh start, but opportunities remained scarce. Serving as the third-string quarterback behind Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush, Lance did not see the field in 2023. In 2024, with Prescott sidelined by injury, Lance appeared in four games, starting one against the Washington Commanders in January 2025. In that start, he completed 20 of 34 passes for 244 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions, and added 90 rushing yards, including a touchdown. However, his overall performance in Dallas was underwhelming, with five interceptions across his limited appearances and a passer rating of 81.0.
Critics noted that Lance’s time in Dallas did little to showcase his potential. A Sports Illustrated article from April 2025 highlighted his struggles, pointing out that he threw five interceptions in limited action, with several more dropped by defenders. Despite flashes of his dual-threat ability, Lance failed to secure a consistent role, and with both he and Cooper Rush departing Dallas in free agency, the Cowboys moved on, acquiring Joe Milton III from the New England Patriots as Prescott’s new backup.
CFL Rumors and a Career Crossroads
As Lance’s contract with the Cowboys expired in March 2025, he found himself at a career crossroads. With limited interest from NFL teams, rumors surfaced about a potential move to the Canadian Football League (CFL). The Saskatchewan Roughriders, where Lance’s father had played, added him to their negotiation list, sparking speculation that Lance might follow in the footsteps of other quarterbacks who revitalized their careers in the CFL.
Articles from NBC Sports and CBS Sports in late March 2025 noted that the CFL could offer Lance the starting opportunity he had lacked in the NFL, given his mere 143 career pass attempts over four years.
However, Lance quickly dispelled these rumors by signing a one-year, $6.2 million deal with the Los Angeles Chargers in April 2025. The move, reported by CBS Sports and The Times of India, positioned Lance as a backup to Justin Herbert, with the potential to compete with Taylor Heinicke for the No. 2 spot. This signing marked a critical juncture for Lance, offering him a chance to revive his NFL career with a competitive team while learning from one of the league’s top quarterbacks.
The Chargers Era: A New Beginning
The Los Angeles Chargers’ decision to sign Trey Lance in April 2025 was driven by several factors, primarily the injury history of their star quarterback, Justin Herbert. Herbert, who played through multiple injuries in 2024, including a plantar fascia issue, a high ankle sprain, a thigh bruise, and a fractured index finger, prompted the Chargers to seek reliable depth at the quarterback position.
Lance’s signing, as reported by Sports Illustrated and The Times of India, was seen as a strategic move to provide insurance behind Herbert while adding a young, high-upside player to the roster.
NFL fans on platforms like Sportskeeda praised the signing, with some noting that Lance’s dual-threat skill set could complement Herbert’s style and provide the Chargers with flexibility.
The one-year, $6.2 million contract, while considered steep by some analysts, reflects the Chargers’ belief in Lance’s potential to contribute, either as a backup or in specialized packages. At 24 years old, Lance is younger than some 2024 first-round draft picks, such as Bo Nix and Michael Penix Jr., giving him room to grow and develop.
The Role Ahead
Lance’s role with the Chargers remains uncertain as of May 30, 2025. He is expected to compete with Taylor Heinicke for the backup job, with Easton Stick likely being phased out of the quarterback room.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh, known for his quarterback development expertise, could play a pivotal role in unlocking Lance’s potential. An April 2025 Sports Illustrated article suggested that Lance’s signing was partly motivated by Harbaugh’s belief in his ability to mold young quarterbacks, drawing parallels to his work with Colin Kaepernick in San Francisco.
Lance’s dual-threat capabilities could also be utilized in specific situations, such as short-yardage or red-zone plays, where his rushing ability (276 career rushing yards and one touchdown) could add a new dimension to the Chargers’ offense. However, to secure a long-term role, Lance will need to improve his passing accuracy and decision-making, areas where he has faced criticism throughout his career.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Lance’s strengths lie in his athleticism and arm strength. His ability to extend plays with his legs and make deep throws was evident at NDSU and in brief NFL appearances. His 90-yard rushing performance against the Chargers in 2024 showcased his dual-threat potential, earning praise for his poise under pressure.
However, Lance’s weaknesses have been well-documented. His slow release time (3.37 seconds, per PFF) and struggles on third downs (29% conversion rate) indicate issues with processing speed and decision-making under pressure. Additionally, his 56.6% completion rate is below the NFL average, and his five interceptions in limited 2024 action highlight a need for better ball security. Critics on X have pointed to his inability to progress past his first read and lack of pocket awareness as areas for improvement.
Injuries: The Defining Factor
Injuries have been the single biggest obstacle in Lance’s career. His season-ending ankle fracture in 2022 not only cost him a chance to solidify his role with the 49ers but also allowed Brock Purdy to emerge as the team’s starter. The injury, detailed in a March 2025 Marca article, was a fracture in his right ankle sustained against the Seattle Seahawks, requiring surgery and a lengthy recovery.
While Lance has not suffered additional major injuries since 2022, his limited playing time has prevented him from regaining the confidence and rhythm he displayed in college. The Chargers’ signing of Lance was partly motivated by Justin Herbert’s injury history, underscoring the importance of durability in the NFL. Lance’s ability to stay healthy and seize any opportunities in 2025 will be critical to his career trajectory.
FAQs
What is Trey Lance’s current team?
As of April 2025, Trey Lance signed a one-year contract worth up to $6.2 million with the Los Angeles Chargers. He is expected to compete with Taylor Heinicke for the backup quarterback position behind starter Justin Herbert.
Why did Trey Lance leave the Dallas Cowboys?
After being traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 2023, Lance saw limited action, appearing in only a few games over two seasons. The Cowboys declined his fifth-year option, making him an unrestricted free agent in March 2025. Seeking more opportunities, Lance signed with the Chargers to revitalize his career.
Has Trey Lance had any recent injuries?
No. As of May 2025, Trey Lance has not reported any recent injuries and is considered healthy. His previous significant injury was a fractured ankle in Week 2 of the 2022 season.
What is Trey Lance’s contract with the Chargers?
Trey Lance’s contract with the Los Angeles Chargers is a one-year deal worth up to $6.2 million. This contract provides him an opportunity to compete for the backup quarterback position and showcase his abilities for future prospects.
What is Trey Lance’s college background?
Trey Lance played college football at North Dakota State University, where he had a standout season in 2019, leading the Bison to an undefeated record and an FCS national championship. He won the Walter Payton Award and the Jerry Rice Award that year.
In Summary
Trey Lance’s NFL journey has been a rollercoaster of high expectations, devastating injuries, and missed opportunities. From his selection as the No. 3 overall pick to his current role as a backup with the Los Angeles Chargers, Lance has faced challenges that have tested his resilience. While his career statistics and limited playing time have fueled skepticism, his youth, athleticism, and untapped potential keep hope alive for a breakout.
As of May 30, 2025, Lance stands at a pivotal moment. His one-year deal with the Chargers offers a fresh start, but it also carries pressure to prove he belongs in the NFL. Whether he emerges as a reliable backup, seizes a starting opportunity, or takes his talents to the CFL, Lance’s story is far from over.
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