San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (5) Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Why the Minnesota Vikings should pass on a trade for 49ers QB Trey Lance

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 8/24/23

The Minnesota Vikings are a potential landing spot for San Francisco's Trey Lance, who's on the trade block. However, they shouldn't pursue the young quarterback.

On Wednesday, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport listed the Vikings as a destination that makes sense for Lance, a Marshall, Minn. native. QB Kirk Cousins, 35, is entering the final year of his contract. Backups Nick Mullens and rookie Jaren Hall, a fifth-round pick, aren't viable replacements if the organization doesn't re-sign the four-time Pro Bowler.

As the #49ers weigh options for Trey Lance, calling his hometown team, the #Vikings (who were a rumored destination before the Draft) makes sense. Nothing is impossible, but MIN has a backup in Nick Mullens and drafted rookie QB in Jaren Hall. Post-draft, these deals are harder.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 23, 2023

Lance, the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, needs a change of scenery after the 49ers demoted him to QB3. He has some untapped potential, possessing ideal size (6-foot-4, 224 pounds) and mobility. Yet the 23-year-old won't develop in Minnesota since he doesn't suit its offense.

Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell is a disciple of Rams HC Sean McVay, who stems from the same coaching tree as 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan. As a result, they run similar systems that require a pinpoint passer. During his first two seasons, Lance was inaccurate, completing 54.9 percent of his attempts in 10 games. Michael Rand of the Star Tribune wrote this "could be a deal-breaker for a coach like O'Connell."

Also, Minnesota could draft a future franchise QB instead. The 2024 draft class has talented prospects such as Southern Cal's Caleb Williams, North Carolina's Drake Maye, Oregon's Bo Nix and Texas' Quinn Ewers. Tankathon projects that the Vikings will have the 16th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, so they could move up or wait for someone to slide.

While Lance deserves a second chance, given his draft status, it shouldn't be with the Vikings. The same problems contributing to his downward spiral in San Francisco will continue in Minnesota.

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