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Former Cowboys Quarterback Trey Lance Signs With New NFL Team

Originally posted on The Spun | By Kameron Duncan | Last updated Apr 4, 2025 5:16 PM ET

Trey Lance was once the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL Draft, destined to become the franchise quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. Four short years later, he's now set to join his third NFL team.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Lance has agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $6.2 million with the Los Angeles Chargers.

After playing as a backup to Dak Prescott, he'll now move to Los Angeles behind Justin Herbert and possibly Taylor Heinicke.

ESPN sources: former Cowboys and 49ers QB Trey Lance reached agreement today on a one-year deal worth up to $6.2 million with the Los Angeles Chargers. Lance and Taylor Heinicke are now behind starting QB Justin Herbert. pic.twitter.com/CaOZiWMLPa
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 4, 2025

Lance is out of Dallas after the Cowboys recently acquired another quarterback via trade. Dallas sent a fifth-round pick to the New England Patriots in exchange for quarterback Joe Milton III and a seventh-round pick.

Milton will now occupy the backup role in Dallas with Lance and Cooper Rush both finding new teams in the offseason.

The Cowboys found ways to use Lance in different packages last season, even though he had a smaller role on the depth chart. The team valued his speed and athleticism, two attributes that likely made him an attractive option for head coach Jim Harbaugh.

All three of the Chargers' current quarterbacks have some level of mobility, and it could create interesting matchup problems for defenses if Harbaugh looks to utilize that advantage.

Lance was a decorated college star at the FCS level with powerhouse North Dakota State. He won two national championships and earned both the Walter Payton and Jerry Rice awards - prestigious honors for FCS players.

The San Francisco 49ers traded three first round picks to the Miami Dolphins for the right to select Lance in 2021, and they took him at No. 3 overall.

Lance played behind Jimmy Garoppolo in his first season as the 49ers went to the NFC Championship game.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 24: Trey Lance #19 of the Dallas Cowboys walks off the field after a preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)Sam Hodde/Getty Images

In 2022, Lance was named the starter but suffered a season-ending injury in Week 3. Garoppolo would take over, only to suffer a season-ending injury of his own. That opened the door for Brock Purdy, who led the 49ers to on a deep playoff run and then to a Super Bowl the following year.

Lance was traded to the Cowboys in 2023 and made sporadic appearances before earning his first start in last year's regular season finale.

We'll see what Lance is able to do with another new team as he continues to make his mark in the NFL.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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