In the ever-evolving world of the NFL, quarterbacks are often the focal point of a franchise’s success, and the career of Trey Lance, a once highly coveted quarterback prospect, has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. From his high hopes as a top draft pick to his unexpected transition through multiple teams, Lance’s journey reflects the challenges and uncertainties that often come with playing the most important position in sports. After his time with the San Francisco 49ers and brief tenure with the Dallas Cowboys, the young quarterback finds himself once again in the spotlight, as rumors swirl around his next possible landing spot.
Lance, who was selected by the San Francisco 49ers with the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, had dreams of becoming the franchise’s future. However, injuries, competition, and coaching decisions limited his opportunity to shine in San Francisco. Despite these setbacks, his raw talent and high potential continue to intrigue teams across the league. Now, as he moves into the next phase of his career, Trey Lance is being courted by a new franchise, and this article will explore his path thus far, the challenges he has faced, and what the future might hold for him.
The Rise of Trey Lance: The Promise of a Future Star
Trey Lance’s journey to the NFL started with a high school career that saw him as one of the top quarterbacks in the country. His combination of size, athleticism, and arm strength made him a highly sought-after recruit, and he ultimately committed to play college football at North Dakota State University (NDSU), a program known for producing NFL-caliber talent. At NDSU, Lance had an impressive, albeit short, college career, which only added to his growing reputation.
In 2019, Lance had a breakthrough season, leading NDSU to an undefeated national championship while throwing for 2,786 yards and 28 touchdowns against zero interceptions. His poise in the pocket, strong arm, and mobility as a dual-threat quarterback made him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams. However, Lance’s limited playing time in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic created questions about his readiness for the NFL, as he played just one game in his final college season. Nonetheless, his potential was clear, and teams saw the upside in selecting Lance as a potential franchise quarterback.
The San Francisco 49ers: High Hopes and Immediate Challenges
Lance’s transition to the NFL came with significant expectations, especially after being selected third overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2021 NFL Draft. The 49ers, coming off a Super Bowl appearance in 2019 and a playoff berth in 2020, were a team in a strong position with an established roster. They traded up in the draft to secure Lance, signaling their intention to find their long-term solution at quarterback.
Lance’s raw talent was evident from the start. His ability to throw deep passes with accuracy, combined with his athleticism, made him a perfect fit for head coach Kyle Shanahan’s system. However, his transition to the NFL was not as smooth as many had hoped. Despite the coaching staff’s high praise and belief in Lance’s potential, he did not immediately start over the established veteran quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo.
In his rookie season, Lance was largely used in a backup role, playing in limited situations, such as special packages and relief duty for Garoppolo. His lack of playing time led to some questions about his development and readiness to lead the 49ers. While Lance had flashes of brilliance, his performance was inconsistent, and he struggled to maintain consistent accuracy and decision-making during his limited opportunities.
Injuries also became a significant issue during Lance’s time with the 49ers. In Week 5 of the 2022 season, he suffered a serious ankle injury that sidelined him for much of the season. His absence gave Garoppolo the chance to regain his starting position, and the 49ers ultimately reached the NFC Championship game. However, Lance’s injury meant that he was unable to take advantage of any opportunities to show growth, leading to growing concerns about his future with the 49ers.
The Dallas Cowboys: A New Opportunity, but Still a Backup Role
After the 2022 season, the 49ers’ decision to trade Lance seemed inevitable. With the team moving forward with Brock Purdy as the starting quarterback, after a strong performance in relief duty, and with Garoppolo leaving for the Las Vegas Raiders, it became clear that Lance’s time in San Francisco was coming to an end.
In a surprising move, the Dallas Cowboys, led by head coach Mike McCarthy and general manager Jerry Jones, traded for Trey Lance in August 2023. The Cowboys acquired Lance for a fourth-round pick, a move that surprised many in the NFL community. Despite Dak Prescott being firmly entrenched as the Cowboys’ starting quarterback, the Cowboys saw potential in Lance as a developmental prospect who could learn from Prescott and eventually challenge for a starting role down the line.
Lance’s arrival in Dallas came at a time when the Cowboys were hoping to make a Super Bowl run with a veteran roster. Prescott had just signed a lucrative contract extension and was coming off a Pro Bowl season. However, the Cowboys were always on the lookout for depth and a potential future starter at quarterback. Lance’s addition allowed the Cowboys to have a high-upside player behind Prescott, with the possibility of developing into a future starting quarterback.
Lance’s tenure with the Cowboys, however, was marked by limited opportunities to take the field. Behind Prescott, the Cowboys rarely used Lance in meaningful game situations, and much of his time was spent learning and adjusting to the team’s system. While the Cowboys were optimistic about his development, Lance never got the chance to start, and his future with the team remained uncertain.
What’s Next for Trey Lance? The Pursuit of a New Opportunity
After a short stint with the Cowboys, Trey Lance finds himself once again on the move. While the Cowboys never gave Lance the opportunity to start, his raw potential and athletic ability still make him an intriguing prospect for teams in need of a quarterback.
Potential Suitors for Trey Lance
As of now, several NFL teams are reportedly courting Lance, eager to explore his potential as a future starter or a valuable developmental piece. Some of the teams that might show interest include:
1. The Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders, under new head coach Josh McDaniels, are in the midst of a rebuild and are in need of stability at the quarterback position. While veteran Jimmy Garoppolo is currently slated to be the starter, the Raiders are always looking to bolster their roster with high-upside players. Lance’s athleticism and raw talent could make him a long-term project for the Raiders as they search for their franchise quarterback of the future.
2. The Indianapolis Colts
The Colts, who have been in a quarterback search for several years, may be another team interested in Lance. With their young roster and developing offensive line, the Colts are looking for a quarterback who can lead them into the future. While the Colts have invested in rookie quarterbacks in the past, Lance’s potential as a dual-threat quarterback could give them the option to build around him in the coming seasons.
3. The Tennessee Titans
The Titans, led by head coach Mike Vrabel, have been in search of a successor to Ryan Tannehill, who is entering the twilight of his career. With the team’s emphasis on a strong running game and solid defense, Lance’s mobility and ability to extend plays could make him a good fit for their system. The Titans could view Lance as a project who could eventually take over as the starter and lead the team in the future.
4. The Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders are another team in need of a quarterback to lead them into the future. With Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke both gone, Washington has turned to Sam Howell as their potential future signal-caller. However, if Howell doesn’t pan out, Lance could be a player Washington looks to develop into a starter.
The Growth of Trey Lance: A Quarterback’s Mentality
Lance’s journey has not been without challenges, but it has also provided him with invaluable experiences. His time with the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys allowed him to learn from some of the best quarterbacks in the league, including Dak Prescott and Jimmy Garoppolo. The lessons learned, both on and off the field, will undoubtedly shape his growth as a quarterback moving forward.
Lance is still a young quarterback, and while his opportunities have been limited, he remains a promising prospect. The key for him will be finding a team that believes in his potential and is willing to invest in his development. Given his physical tools, including his strong arm and athleticism, Lance’s upside is undeniable. He just needs the right system and time to grow into the quarterback that many believed he could become when he was drafted third overall by the 49ers.
The Road Ahead for Trey Lance
Trey Lance’s career is far from over, and his future remains bright despite the setbacks he has faced thus far. His time with the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys has taught him valuable lessons, but he is now at a crossroads where a fresh start with a new team could provide the opportunity he needs to reach his full potential.
As teams court Lance, it will be crucial for him to find a franchise that values his talents and is committed to developing him into a starting quarterback. If he can secure a starting role and continue to refine his game, there’s no telling how far he can go. Trey Lance may have faced challenges early in his career, but with the right opportunity, the best is yet to come.