Trey Lance entered the NFL with hype, expectations, and a spotlight that few rookie quarterbacks ever face. After being the subject of endless draft debates and highlight reels, his path took a series of twists no one saw coming.
How did a first-round pick, expected to lead the San Francisco 49ers for years, end up fighting for a chance just to stay on the field? Lance’s story is one of high hopes, bad breaks, and new beginnings. Now, everyone is watching: can he turn it all around with the Los Angeles Chargers?
What Led to Trey Lance’s Exit from the San Francisco 49ers?
The 2021 NFL Draft was packed with quarterback talent, and Lance was right at the center of the conversation. Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson went first and second as many analysts expected. The real question leading up to draft night was whether the third quarterback taken would be Lance or Mac Jones. The San Francisco 49ers traded up with the Miami Dolphins, giving up three first-rounders and a third-round pick, to secure Lance, putting their faith in him as their next franchise quarterback.
Lance started his rookie year backing up Jimmy Garoppolo but got an early taste of action. In a Week 1 win against the Detroit Lions, he tossed a five-yard touchdown on his only snap. His role expanded by Week 4 when Garoppolo went down with an injury, giving Lance his first real shot at running the offense. Although the team lost to the Seattle Seahawks, Lance stayed at quarterback until Garoppolo was healthy enough to return. The two swapped places most of the season as injuries kept both from taking the reins for long stretches.
Meanwhile, the 49ers selected Brock Purdy in the 2022 draft with the last overall pick, making Purdy’s future with the team uncertain at the time. In 2022, Lance was chosen as the starter over Garoppolo and Purdy, but a season-ending ankle injury in Week 2 put his rise on hold. Purdy stepped in, took over as the starter, and led the team to the postseason, where they ultimately came up short in the NFC Championship game.
Can Lance Change His Outlook with the Los Angeles Chargers?
Purdy’s success changed everything. By 2023, Lance found himself as the third-stringer, backing up both Purdy and new acquisition Sam Darnold. Before the regular season began, San Francisco traded Lance to the Dallas Cowboys for a fourth-round pick.
Lance spent the 2023 campaign as a healthy scratch for Dallas. Heading into 2024, the Cowboys declined his fifth-year option, making him a free agent at the end of that season. His fortunes briefly shifted when Dak Prescott suffered an injury. Lance moved up to backup behind Cooper Rush. After Rush was benched in Week 10, Lance helped Dallas secure a win over the Washington Commanders. He started in the final two games, but the Cowboys lost both contests.
Jim Harbaugh really might fix Trey Lance. pic.twitter.com/DgHKuVIjNW
— Grant Cohn (@grantcohn) July 27, 2025
In April 2025, Lance signed a one-year deal with the Chargers. He has received high praise for his performance so far in camp, and he looked terrific in the Hall of Fame Game against the Detroit Lions.
The spotlight is back on Lance, this time in Los Angeles, and the question remains: can he seize this new opportunity and finally prove he belongs as a starting quarterback in the NFL?
