Introduction
Trey Lance was once heralded as the future of the San Francisco 49ers, a quarterback with raw talent, athleticism, and immense upside. Drafted as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Lance’s professional journey has been a rollercoaster ride full of high expectations, injury setbacks, and a surprising trade to the Los Angeles Chargers. This article explores Trey Lance’s contract with the 49ers, his current status with the Chargers, and the implications of his NFL trade saga.
Trey Lance’s Entry into the NFL
Trey Lance played his college football at North Dakota State University, where he gained national recognition for his dual-threat capabilities. Despite limited playing time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lance impressed scouts with his arm strength, mobility, and football IQ.
In 2021, the San Francisco 49ers traded up to select Lance with the third overall pick, giving up a king’s ransom to move from the 12th to the 3rd spot. This move underscored how highly the organization viewed him as their potential franchise quarterback.
Trey Lance Rookie Contract with the 49ers
As a first-round pick, Trey Lance signed a four-year rookie contract with the 49ers in 2021. Here are the full details:
Contract Breakdown:
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Contract Duration: 4 years (2021–2024)
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Total Value: $34.1 million (fully guaranteed)
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Signing Bonus: $22.1 million
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Annual Average Salary: $8.5 million
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Fifth-Year Option: Available for 2025 (team option)
Key Financials:
| Year | Base Salary | Signing Bonus (prorated) | Cap Hit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $660,000 | $5.53 million | $6.19 million |
| 2022 | $2.2 million | $5.53 million | $7.73 million |
| 2023 | $3.76 million | $5.53 million | $9.29 million |
| 2024 | $5.31 million | $5.53 million | $10.84 million |
Performance-Based Incentives:
Lance’s contract did not include performance-based escalators, but his salary was fully guaranteed, a rare move reflecting the 49ers’ initial confidence in his abilities.
What Went Wrong in San Francisco?
Despite the 49ers’ major investment, Trey Lance struggled to secure a permanent starting role. A mix of unfortunate injuries and strong competition limited his on-field exposure.
Key Setbacks:
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2021: Appeared in six games as a backup; showed flashes but remained behind Jimmy Garoppolo.
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2022: Named Week 1 starter but suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 2.
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2023: Lost QB competition to Brock Purdy and Sam Darnold during training camp.
Lack of Playing Time:
By the end of his 49ers stint, Lance had started just four games in three seasons, casting doubt on his readiness to lead an NFL offense.
Trey Lance Trade to the Chargers
In a surprising twist, the 49ers traded Trey Lance in August 2023 to the Los Angeles Chargers, ending his San Francisco chapter prematurely.
Trade Details:
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49ers Receive: Conditional 4th-round pick (could escalate based on playing time)
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Chargers Receive: QB Trey Lance
This trade was viewed as a win-win scenario:
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The 49ers cleared cap space and removed a potential distraction.
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The Chargers gained a developmental quarterback behind Justin Herbert.
Trey Lance’s Role With the Chargers
Depth Chart Status:
As of the 2024 season, Lance serves as the backup to Justin Herbert, one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. The Chargers see Lance as a high-upside backup who could develop into a starter or trade asset.
Potential Opportunity:
If Herbert faces injury or performance issues, Lance could get another opportunity to showcase his growth and capabilities in a live NFL setting.
Current Contract Situation with the Chargers
Since rookie contracts are fully guaranteed and transferable, Trey Lance remains on his original 49ers rookie deal, but now plays under the Chargers’ banner.
Key Points:
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Chargers are responsible for remaining cap hits (2024: $10.84 million).
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Fifth-Year Option: The Chargers declined Lance’s fifth-year option, making him an unrestricted free agent in 2025 unless extended.
Financial Impact on Chargers:
While the cap hit is substantial for a backup QB, the Chargers consider it a worthy investment given Lance’s upside.
What Happens After 2024?
Free Agency:
Unless he’s extended or tagged, Trey Lance is expected to hit free agency in 2025. His market value will depend on:
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Preseason or injury replacement performances
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Trade rumors or QB-needy teams
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How he adapts in a new offensive system
Future Contract Projections:
If Lance shows promise, he could command a short-term “prove-it” deal in the range of $8–12 million annually from teams seeking competition at the quarterback spot.
NFL Analysts’ Take on the Trey Lance Trade
Mixed Reactions:
Many analysts and fans were divided about the trade. Some viewed it as a failure of San Francisco’s scouting, while others saw it as a second chance for a talented player in a new environment.
“Lance didn’t fail. The 49ers failed him by rushing him into a system he never had the time to master.” — Former NFL scout on ESPN.
“The Chargers made a low-risk, high-reward move. If he develops, it’s a steal.” — NFL Network.
How Trey Lance Compares to His Draft Class Peers
The 2021 NFL Draft produced a fascinating quarterback class:
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Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars) – Franchise QB
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Zach Wilson (Jets) – Struggled, now backup
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Trey Lance (Chargers) – Backup with potential
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Justin Fields (Steelers) – Uncertain future
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Mac Jones (Jaguars) – Backup role
Trey Lance remains one of the biggest question marks, but not all hope is lost.
Public and Fan Reactions
Trey Lance has had a strong support base despite his limited playtime. Many fans and players have praised his work ethic and positive attitude throughout the challenges.
On social media, fans reacted to the trade:
“Hope Lance gets a real shot with the Chargers. Still believe in him!” – @49ersFaithful
“Wish the best to Trey, deserves more than being a third stringer.” – @BoltUpNation
Lance’s Own Perspective
In interviews post-trade, Lance has maintained humility and determination:
“I’ve learned a lot. The game is bigger than talent — it’s about growth, timing, and preparation. I’m just focused on getting better every day.” – Trey Lance
Such a mindset bodes well for a potential comeback story.
Trey Lance’s Career Stats (As of 2024)
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 8 |
| Games Started | 4 |
| Passing Yards | 797 |
| Passing TDs | 5 |
| INTs | 3 |
| Completion % | 54.9% |
| Rushing Yards | 235 |
| Rushing TDs | 1 |
While these are modest, they also reflect limited opportunity rather than lack of talent.
Conclusion
Trey Lance’s NFL journey has been anything but conventional. From a top draft pick to a backup quarterback, his career arc reflects the unpredictable nature of the league. His fully guaranteed contract with the 49ers provided financial security, but not the starting role he was drafted for. Now with the Chargers, he has a fresh chance to develop behind a franchise quarterback, learn from elite coaching, and perhaps, one day, re-enter the NFL spotlight as a starter.
As his contract nears expiration, the 2024–25 NFL season will be crucial for Lance’s long-term future. Whether he extends with the Chargers, gets traded again, or hits free agency, one thing is certain: Trey Lance still has the tools — and now the experience — to prove his worth in the NFL.
FAQs
1. What is Trey Lance’s current contract value?
Trey Lance is currently on a 4-year, $34.1 million fully guaranteed rookie contract signed in 2021.
2. Who is Trey Lance playing for in 2024?
Trey Lance is the backup quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers.
3. Did the Chargers pick up his fifth-year option?
No, the Chargers declined the fifth-year option, making him a free agent in 2025.
4. Why did the 49ers trade Trey Lance?
Due to injury setbacks and the emergence of Brock Purdy, Lance became expendable, leading to his trade to the Chargers in 2023.
5. Can Trey Lance become a starter again?
Yes. If he performs well in limited opportunities or during preseason, he may attract interest as a starter in free agency or via trade.
