In the world of professional football, change is the only constant. Some players rise to stardom, while others face difficult transitions. In a move that has stunned fans and pundits alike, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance, once a rising star in the NFL, has made the bold decision to join the Canadian Football League (CFL). This move marks a dramatic shift in Lance’s career trajectory, one that seemed destined for greatness just a few short years ago. From being the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft to now making headlines with his decision to play in the CFL, Trey Lance’s journey has been filled with intrigue, uncertainty, and now, a renewed opportunity for redemption.
The Rise of Trey Lance
Trey Lance’s journey to the NFL was a story that captured the attention of football fans across the nation. Hailing from Marshall, Minnesota, Lance played college football at North Dakota State University (NDSU), a powerhouse program in the FCS. His play was nothing short of spectacular, leading the Bison to a national championship during his freshman year in 2019. What made Lance’s performance even more impressive was his ability to dominate despite only starting one full season before entering the draft.
Lance’s skill set was undoubtedly unique. His combination of size, athleticism, and arm strength made him one of the most enticing quarterback prospects in years. At 6’4″ and 224 pounds, Lance possessed both the physical tools to make every throw in the book and the mobility to extend plays with his legs. However, his lack of experience—he started only 17 games in college—created a sense of uncertainty around his true potential. But his raw talent was undeniable, and that’s what ultimately led the San Francisco 49ers to select him with the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
For a young player like Lance, the pressure of being a top pick comes with high expectations. Many believed that he would sit behind veteran Jimmy Garoppolo and learn the ropes of the NFL before taking over as the starting quarterback. However, fate had other plans. Lance’s rookie season was marked by flashes of potential, but also significant growing pains. He played in a handful of games, including some meaningful starts, but it became clear that the 49ers were not quite ready to hand the reins over to him full-time. He had to contend with the dual pressure of proving himself to a skeptical fanbase while also adjusting to the speed and complexity of the NFL.
The 49ers Era and a Rocky Start
The 2022 season should have been Lance’s breakout year, but it was derailed early in a devastating way. In Week 2, Lance suffered a serious ankle injury that kept him sidelined for the remainder of the season. The injury was a major setback in Lance’s development, both physically and mentally. While he was recovering, the 49ers made a switch to Garoppolo, and later, to Brock Purdy, who emerged as an unexpected star, leading the team to the NFC Championship Game.
By the time Lance returned to full health, it became clear that he was no longer the starting quarterback for the 49ers. The emergence of Purdy, combined with Garoppolo’s steady performance, effectively sealed Lance’s fate in San Francisco. Despite being highly touted as a future franchise quarterback, Lance found himself in a position where his opportunities were limited. The 49ers, eager to make a Super Bowl run, decided that they could not afford to invest further time in Lance, opting to trade him away.
Trey Lance Joins the Dallas Cowboys
In August of 2023, Trey Lance was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in a move that shocked many. The Cowboys, a team with Super Bowl aspirations and a quarterback in Dak Prescott who was firmly entrenched as the starter, appeared to be making a calculated move to bolster their quarterback depth. It was clear from the start that Lance would not be starting, and the Cowboys had no immediate plans to feature him in their offense. Instead, Lance would serve as a developmental project behind Prescott and backup Cooper Rush.
From the moment Lance arrived in Dallas, speculation about his future was inevitable. Would he eventually take over as the team’s starter? Or would he continue to be a backup quarterback, waiting for an opportunity that might never come? Despite his immense potential, Lance found himself in a bit of a football purgatory—stuck behind Prescott, a veteran quarterback who had been a steady presence for the Cowboys, and Rush, a capable backup who had earned the trust of the coaching staff. His role was unclear, and his path to starting was complicated by the success of the team’s existing quarterback group.
The Decision to Leave the NFL
As the 2024 NFL season began, Lance’s frustration with his limited role in Dallas continued to mount. Despite showing flashes of the talent that made him a top draft pick, Lance was stuck in the shadow of Prescott’s leadership and the Cowboys’ playoff aspirations. After months of internal struggle and discussions with his agent, Lance decided that he needed to make a change—a decision that would take him out of the NFL and into the world of the CFL.
The news that Lance was making the move to Canada was met with mixed reactions. On one hand, some saw it as a sign of failure—an acknowledgement that his NFL career was all but over. On the other hand, there were those who viewed the move as an opportunity for Lance to reset, refocus, and rebuild his career on his own terms. The CFL, with its slightly different rules, faster pace, and emphasis on quarterbacks’ mobility, presented a new challenge for Lance, but one that could ultimately help him reignite his passion for the game.
The decision to leave the NFL was a difficult one for Lance, but it was also a necessary step in his journey. He was still young, with plenty of years left to play, and the CFL offered a chance for him to showcase his skills and prove that he was still capable of playing at a high level. For Lance, the move to Canada was about more than just playing football—it was about finding his love for the game once again and reminding everyone why he was once considered one of the brightest young quarterbacks in football.
The CFL: A New Beginning
Lance’s arrival in the CFL has been met with excitement, particularly from fans of the league, who are eager to see how he adapts to the Canadian style of play. In many ways, the CFL is a quarterback’s league. The field is larger, the rules are different, and quarterbacks are often asked to do more with their legs than in the NFL. This shift could be exactly what Lance needs to regain his confidence and showcase his true potential.
The CFL, known for its high-scoring games and wide-open offenses, may provide Lance with an ideal environment to succeed. The pressure to immediately lead a team to a Super Bowl title is gone, replaced by a fresh opportunity to develop and improve in a league that encourages creativity and innovation. With his strong arm, mobility, and playmaking ability, Lance is poised to become one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the CFL.
One of the key aspects of the CFL that should benefit Lance is its emphasis on creating plays and improvising. Unlike the NFL, where quarterbacks often rely on precise timing and scripted offenses, the CFL gives quarterbacks more freedom to improvise and extend plays. Lance’s mobility and strong arm will be assets in this regard, allowing him to make plays outside the pocket and throw deep passes with ease. His experience in the NFL, though brief, has provided him with invaluable knowledge that he can apply to the CFL game.
Trey Lance’s Legacy: NFL Star or CFL Sensation?
As Trey Lance embarks on this new chapter in his career, the question remains: will he ultimately be remembered as a cautionary tale of a high draft pick who failed to live up to expectations, or as a success story of a player who found his way in a new league?
The answer to that question remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure—Trey Lance’s journey has only just begun. The CFL is providing him with an opportunity to prove himself, and whether he becomes a star in Canada or eventually returns to the NFL, Lance has the chance to rewrite his football story.
While it’s easy to focus on what Lance has not achieved in the NFL, his decision to move to the CFL is a reminder that the path to success is rarely a straight line. For Lance, this may be the beginning of a new chapter in his football journey—one where he can finally show the world what he is truly capable of. The next few seasons will be crucial for him as he attempts to rebuild his career and make his mark on the Canadian football scene.
No matter where his career goes from here, Lance’s decision to move to the CFL will be remembered as a pivotal moment in his football journey. It may not be the fairytale ending that many expected when he was drafted, but it could very well be the first step in a new and exciting chapter for Trey Lance.