Chargers Secure Trey Lance with One-Year Contract Worth Up to $6.2 Million
In a bold move aimed at adding depth to their quarterback room, the Los Angeles Chargers have agreed to terms with former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance on a one-year contract worth up to $6.2 million. The deal, which has the potential to provide Lance with significant financial incentives based on performance, marks a fresh start for the young quarterback as he seeks to revitalize his career after a turbulent few years in San Francisco. The agreement was confirmed earlier this week, and it immediately sent shockwaves through the NFL community, as it presents an intriguing dynamic for both Lance and the Chargers.
Lance, who was once regarded as one of the most promising quarterbacks in his draft class, has faced a series of challenges since entering the league. Drafted by the 49ers as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Lance came into the league with high expectations, seen as a player with the potential to eventually take the reins as the franchise’s long-term solution under center. However, injuries, inconsistent play, and a highly competitive quarterback situation in San Francisco ultimately led to his departure from the 49ers after just a few seasons.
Lance’s tenure with the 49ers was marred by injuries, most notably a significant ankle injury that he sustained early in the 2022 season, sidelining him for most of the year. Despite showing flashes of his immense potential when healthy, Lance never fully solidified his role as the starting quarterback. In the meantime, the 49ers found success with veteran Jimmy Garoppolo and later, rookie Brock Purdy, who led the team to the NFC Championship Game during the 2022 season. The emergence of Purdy and the overall stability of the 49ers’ quarterback room led to Lance becoming expendable, and the team made the decision to move on from him, offering him a fresh opportunity elsewhere.
That opportunity came in the form of the Los Angeles Chargers, a team that already boasts a solid starting quarterback in Justin Herbert. However, the Chargers have been active in making moves to improve their roster, and bringing in Lance provides them with an interesting backup option that could potentially evolve into a valuable asset.
The Chargers’ decision to sign Lance is a bit of a gamble, but it also offers several advantages. First and foremost, Lance’s upside remains undeniable. At 23 years old, Lance still possesses tremendous physical talent, including a strong arm, excellent mobility, and the ability to make plays both inside and outside of the pocket. His athleticism, which made him one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in his draft class, has not gone away. If he can stay healthy and continue to develop, Lance has the potential to be a formidable force in the NFL.
Moreover, Lance’s signing gives the Chargers some much-needed depth behind Herbert. While Herbert has established himself as one of the league’s top quarterbacks, the Chargers have experienced their share of injury problems in recent years. In 2021, for example, Herbert missed a few games with various injuries, and having a competent backup behind him is critical. Lance’s ability to step in and run the offense, should anything happen to Herbert, offers the Chargers a level of security at the quarterback position that they may not have had in previous seasons.
Additionally, Lance’s signing provides the Chargers’ coaching staff with a unique opportunity to develop a young quarterback with a high ceiling. Under the guidance of head coach Brandon Staley and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, Lance can continue to refine his skills, both as a passer and a decision-maker. There are elements of his game that still need polishing, particularly in terms of consistency and reading defenses, but the Chargers’ coaching staff is well-regarded for their ability to develop quarterbacks, and they could prove to be the perfect fit for Lance as he attempts to get his career back on track.
For Lance, this is a crucial moment in his career. After being thrust into the spotlight as a high-profile draft pick and then struggling with injuries and inconsistent play, he is now at a crossroads. This one-year contract offers him the chance to prove that he is capable of being more than just a backup. It also gives him the opportunity to showcase his talents in a new system, one where he can learn behind a proven starter in Herbert while potentially earning his way into a more prominent role.
Lance’s situation is made all the more interesting by the context of the Chargers’ quarterback room. While Herbert is firmly entrenched as the starting quarterback, the team’s offense has become one of the league’s most dynamic in recent years. The combination of Herbert’s strong arm, the emergence of playmakers like wide receiver Keenan Allen and tight end Gerald Everett, and the play-calling abilities of Moore, creates a system that could be extremely beneficial for a quarterback like Lance. With an offense that thrives on the big play and an ability to take risks, Lance could fit well into that environment, where his natural talent can be fully utilized.
Furthermore, Lance’s signing comes at a time when the NFL is increasingly valuing mobility and versatility in quarterbacks. The days of the traditional “pocket passer” are slowly fading away, as teams look for quarterbacks who can not only make throws from the pocket but also extend plays with their legs. This is an area where Lance excels. His ability to move out of the pocket, create on the run, and pick up yards with his legs gives him a unique edge over other quarterbacks. In fact, his mobility is one of the reasons he was so highly regarded coming out of college at North Dakota State, where he put together an impressive record and showcased his dual-threat capabilities.
If Lance can find his rhythm in Los Angeles, he could become a valuable asset not just for the Chargers, but for his own career. A successful year as Herbert’s backup could lead to future opportunities, either as the Chargers’ starting quarterback down the road or as a potential starter for another NFL team. In many ways, this one-year contract could serve as a proving ground for Lance, where he can demonstrate his worth and solidify his position as a starting quarterback in the league.
Of course, much of Lance’s success in Los Angeles will depend on his ability to stay healthy. Injuries have been a consistent issue for the young quarterback, and if he is to take full advantage of this opportunity, he must remain on the field. For now, however, Lance’s new contract with the Chargers provides him with the chance to continue pursuing his NFL dreams, and the team is certainly hoping that he can rediscover the potential that once made him the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
As the 2023 NFL season approaches, the eyes of many will be on Lance as he steps into his new role with the Chargers. For both the young quarterback and the team, this is a crucial year. If all goes well, it could mark the beginning of a new chapter in Lance’s career and a key piece to the Chargers’ future success. The contract, worth up to $6.2 million, is a significant commitment, but it is also a calculated risk—one that could pay off big for both sides.
