The Los Angeles Chargers are bringing back backup quarterback Trey Lance on a one-year deal, reportedly worth up to $6.75 million. This marks Lance’s return to the team after signing a similar contract last offseason, which was valued at up to $6.2 million.
Lance joined the Chargers last spring, and during the past season, he saw action in four games for the playoff-bound squad. His single start came in a Week 18 matchup against the Denver Broncos. With the team resting starting quarterback Justin Herbert, Lance had an opportunity to lead the offense. He completed 20 of 44 passes for 136 yards, but also threw an interception. Despite the modest passing numbers, Lance showed some promise with his legs, rushing for 69 yards on nine carries.
Throughout his NFL career, Lance has struggled to live up to his billing as a former high draft pick. In 2025, he completed just 27 of 57 passes for 226 yards and one interception. This continued a disappointing trajectory for the quarterback, who was the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
A Risky Draft Pick and a Tumultuous Career Path
The San Francisco 49ers made a significant investment in Trey Lance during the 2021 draft. A month after trading away their No. 12 overall pick, a third-round selection, and first-round picks in both the 2022 and 2023 drafts to the Miami Dolphins for the No. 3 overall selection, they chose Lance. This move placed him in a category with other highly touted quarterbacks from that draft class who have largely fallen short of expectations. Alongside Lance, other first-round picks like Zach Wilson (No. 2 overall), Justin Fields (No. 11 overall), and Mac Jones (No. 15 overall) have also faced challenges in their NFL careers. Notably, Trevor Lawrence, the No. 1 overall pick in that same draft, remains the only quarterback from that group still with his original team.
Lance’s tenure with the 49ers was limited to just four starts. The team managed to mitigate some of the impact of their draft decision by selecting Brock Purdy with the final pick in the 2022 draft. After Purdy emerged as the 49ers’ starting quarterback late in his rookie season, San Francisco traded Lance to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2024 fourth-round pick. He made one start for the Cowboys in 2024 before ultimately signing with the Chargers.
Currently, the Chargers’ quarterback room consists of Lance, alongside their established starter Justin Herbert and recent acquisition D.J. Uiagalelei.
Lance’s NFL Statistics
Across his 16 appearances and six starts in the NFL, Trey Lance has demonstrated the following statistical profile:
- Completion Percentage: 54%
- Yards Per Attempt: 6.4
- Touchdowns: 5
- Interceptions: 5
- Passer Rating: 71.9
While these numbers highlight some of the challenges Lance has faced in translating his talent to consistent NFL production, his re-signing with the Chargers indicates the team sees potential value in his abilities, particularly as a backup option. His dual-threat capabilities, as evidenced by his rushing performance last season, may also be a factor in the team’s decision. The Chargers will be looking for Lance to provide solid support behind Justin Herbert and develop further in his role within the offensive system.
