Former 49ers, Cowboys QB Trey Lance Signs with AFC Super Bowl Contender Chargers

In a move that has sent ripples through the NFL, former San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance has signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers, an AFC team widely regarded as a Super Bowl contender. The contract, reportedly worth up to $6.2 million, offers Lance a fresh start with a franchise boasting one of the league’s brightest stars in quarterback Justin Herbert.

Lance, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has had a turbulent journey through his first four years in the league. Initially heralded as the future of the 49ers’ franchise, his tenure in San Francisco was marred by injuries and unexpected competition. A season-ending ankle injury in Week 2 of the 2022 season opened the door for rookie Brock Purdy to take over, effectively sidelining Lance. After being traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 2023 for a fourth-round pick, Lance saw limited action, appearing in just one regular-season game in 2024—a Week 10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles where he completed 4 of 6 passes for 21 yards and threw an interception.

Now, at 24 years old, Lance joins a Chargers squad looking to solidify its quarterback depth behind Herbert, who has battled injuries of his own in recent seasons. The signing comes after speculation that Lance might take his talents north to the Canadian Football League (CFL), where the Saskatchewan Roughriders had placed him on their negotiation list. Instead, Lance opted to stay in the NFL, landing with a team that finished the 2024 regular season as a playoff contender and has aspirations of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in 2025.

The Chargers’ decision to bring in Lance alongside veteran backup Taylor Heinicke signals a strategic move to bolster their roster with a high-upside player. While Herbert remains the undisputed starter, his injury-riddled 2024 campaign underscored the need for reliable options behind him. Lance, though unproven as a consistent starter, brings athleticism and potential that could shine under the guidance of head coach Jim Harbaugh and a talented offensive supporting cast.

During his limited time on the field, Lance has compiled a 2-2 record as a starter, throwing for 1,063 yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions across eight career games. His dual-threat capabilities—evident from his standout college career at North Dakota State—make him an intriguing fit for a Chargers offense that could benefit from his mobility if called upon.

Fan reactions have been mixed but largely optimistic. On social media platforms like X, some praised the signing as a low-risk, high-reward move for a team with Super Bowl ambitions, with one user noting, “Herbert is injury-prone—this is a good signing.” Others remain skeptical, pointing to Lance’s lack of game experience and inconsistent performances. Regardless, the consensus is that Los Angeles offers Lance his best opportunity yet to revive his NFL career.