Former Draft Bust Poised For Breakout With 'Higher' Confidence

Current Dallas Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance has had one of the most unique careers in recent memory. The North Dakota product originally broke out at the collegiate level in 2019 but never had a chance to follow up on that breakthrough performance. After the COVID-19 pandemic effectively wiped out his entire 2020, Lance declared for the 2021 NFL Draft. Despite the lack of tape, the 49ers chose to mortgage the future and trade up for a player they believed could be a superstar. This didn’t pan out, as Lance only made four starts with the 49ers before losing the job to seventh-round pick Brock Purdy.

Following a training camp battle for the QB2 job, the 49ers traded Trey Lance to the Dallas Cowboys for a fourth-round pick. Now five years removed from his breakout collegiate season, the quarterback has just 102 professional pass attempts to his name. However, despite the lack of experience, the current backup says he’s more confident than ever and can play his best football if given the opportunity.

Trey Lance More Confident Than Ever, Hopes To Start Again

Trey Lance could earn another opportunity to start in the NFL, but it probably won’t come with the Dallas Cowboys. Barring injury, Dak Prescott is comfortably set as the starting quarterback of this franchise. While the former fourth-round pick is set to hit free agency following the 2024 season, it’s hard to envision a world where Dallas lets him walk for nothing. Lance, meanwhile, is also set to reach the open market and Dallas probably won’t have the financial resources to bring back both players.

Seeing as he only fetched a fourth-round pick in a trade, it’s safe to assume that nobody will let Trey Lance be their unquestioned starter. With that being said, the former third-overall pick could earn the right to fight for a starting job, or at the very least land a contract as a high-end backup.

Possible Next Teams

New Orleans Saints

Derek Carr is the present-day answer at the quarterback position, but he might not be around in 2025. Both Carr and Dennis Allen need to make the playoffs if they want to keep their respective jobs, and even that might not be enough to ensure a safe return for both men. New Orleans is constantly in salary cap hell, which means they won’t have the money to grab a starting-caliber quarterback in free agency, and they’re probably too good to draft a top prospect in next year’s draft. With this in mind, Trey Lance might just be the best option they have.

New York Jets

Aaron Rodgers is back, but who knows how much is left in his tank? Even if he can play like his 2022 self, the four-time league MVP is not a long-term answer at the position. This team is built to win now, and rather than waste a pick on a developmental quarterback, New York could try to capture lightning in a bottle with Trey Lance.

New York Giants

The Giants are stuck with Daniel Jones for one more season, but everyone in the world knows that it’s only a matter of time before they release him. New York wanted to trade up for third-overall pick Drake Maye, but New England refused to budge. If the Giants once again miss on a quarterback in 2025, they could pivot to Trey Lance. Say what you will about the 49ers bust, but he offers more upside than Daniel Jones.

Baltimore Ravens

Trey Lance will not take the starting job away from Lamar Jackson any time soon. However, he is an ideal backup for this scheme. Just like Jackson, Lance possesses elite physical traits and a rocket arm capable of making any throw. However, while Jackson is polished and refined, Lance is rough around the edges. Perhaps Baltimore’s high-end coaching staff can get the best out of him, but at the very least, he’d be a reliable insurance policy in case injury strikes their two-time MVP.

Los Angeles Rams

Matthew Stafford remains one of the better quarterbacks in the league, but the one-time Super Bowl champion isn’t getting any younger. Jimmy Garoppolo is a fine veteran backup, but Stetson Bennett isn’t the most reliable developmental prospect. Stafford still has a few years in his tank, but an offensive mastermind like Sean McVay should be able to get the most out of a highly talented player like Trey Lance.