Trey Lance, a former quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers, is being courted by a franchise.

The football world is often defined by its ever-shifting landscape—players rise to prominence, teams evolve, and roster changes are a constant. In the case of Trey Lance, a former quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers, his journey has been anything but conventional. Despite facing numerous challenges, including a rocky start to his career, injuries, and questions surrounding his development as a quarterback, Lance remains a highly intriguing prospect for NFL franchises looking to solidify their quarterback position or develop future talent. The story of Trey Lance is not just one of ups and downs but also an example of how the NFL’s competitive nature can create opportunities even for players who have yet to fully fulfill their potential.

1. Trey Lance’s Journey to the NFL

Trey Lance’s story begins with a meteoric rise in college football, where he became a sensation as the quarterback for the North Dakota State Bison. Lance’s unique combination of athleticism, strong arm, and dual-threat ability made him one of the most highly coveted quarterback prospects in years. Playing for North Dakota State, Lance had an undefeated season in 2019, throwing for 28 touchdowns and zero interceptions, a performance that turned heads around the country. His ability to make plays with his legs as well as his arm put him in the conversation as a future NFL starter.

However, Lance’s path to the NFL was far from traditional. While many top quarterback prospects play for Power Five conference schools and face the constant scrutiny of playing at the highest level of college football, Lance was playing in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). This led to questions about the level of competition he was facing and whether he could translate his skills to the NFL. Even so, Lance’s potential was undeniable, and in the 2021 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers traded up to the third overall pick to select him, signaling their belief in his future as a franchise quarterback.

2. San Francisco 49ers: The High Expectations and Early Struggles

Lance’s time with the 49ers started with immense expectations, but the reality of transitioning from a small-school star to an NFL starting quarterback was a daunting one. From the outset, Lance’s rookie season was marked by uncertainty. The 49ers, led by head coach Kyle Shanahan, already had an established quarterback in Jimmy Garoppolo. Shanahan’s offense was designed for a quarterback with the ability to manage the game efficiently, and Garoppolo, for all his flaws, had proven he could do that. The presence of Garoppolo meant that Lance wouldn’t be thrust into a starting role immediately, which was likely a blessing in disguise for a young quarterback still adjusting to the NFL game.

Lance had opportunities to play in several games during his rookie season, but his performances were inconsistent. He showed flashes of his potential—particularly with his ability to extend plays with his legs and make deep throws—but also demonstrated the rawness that comes with transitioning from a lower level of competition in college to the NFL. While he occasionally showcased his immense arm strength, accuracy issues and a lack of comfort with reading NFL defenses were evident. His limited experience also showed when the pressure was on, and he struggled with the speed and complexity of the NFL game.

By the end of the 2021 season, it was clear that the 49ers were not yet ready to fully hand the reins to Lance, and the quarterback competition between Lance and Garoppolo continued into the following season. Throughout 2022, Lance appeared poised to take over the starting role, but fate had other plans. In Week 2 of the 2022 season, Lance suffered a significant ankle injury that would end his season prematurely. This injury not only halted his development but also led to further questions about his ability to withstand the rigors of the NFL.

3. The Arrival of Brock Purdy and Lance’s Departure from San Francisco

Lance’s injury paved the way for Brock Purdy, the 49ers’ third-string quarterback, to take over as the starting quarterback. Purdy’s surprising success, including leading the team all the way to the NFC Championship Game, was a development that few could have predicted. Purdy’s strong performances allowed the 49ers to evaluate Lance’s position on the roster more critically. As Purdy cemented his status as a viable starting option for the future, Lance’s role with the team became more tenuous.

The 49ers’ decision to trade Trey Lance to another franchise in 2023 was ultimately the next logical step in a chain of events that began with his injury. Lance had the potential, but the 49ers were moving forward with Purdy, and they needed to recoup value for a player they had invested so heavily in just a couple of years prior. This was the beginning of a new chapter for Lance—a chapter that would see him courted by multiple teams seeking to evaluate his potential as a future starter or developmental quarterback.

4. The Market for Trey Lance

Lance’s potential has never been in doubt. Despite his challenges with the 49ers, his physical traits—the size, athleticism, and arm strength—still make him an intriguing proposition for any NFL team in need of a quarterback. Teams across the league face the same challenge: identifying quarterbacks who can thrive in today’s NFL, which values mobility, arm strength, and the ability to execute both in the pocket and on the move.

With this in mind, several NFL franchises have shown interest in acquiring Lance. For teams that have stability at the starting quarterback position but are looking for a developmental prospect, Lance presents a unique opportunity. Teams with an established starter can take a patient approach to his development, allowing him to sit behind an experienced quarterback, learn the system, and grow without the pressure of being thrown into the starting role immediately.

On the other hand, some teams are still in search of their franchise quarterback, and they may view Lance as a potential long-term solution to their quarterback woes. While Lance’s past performances haven’t been perfect, there’s still belief that with the right coaching, system, and time, he could develop into the quarterback many thought he could be when he entered the NFL.

5. The Franchises Courting Trey Lance

Among the teams rumored to be interested in Lance, a few stand out due to their current quarterback situations and their potential to help Lance reach his full potential.

The Dallas Cowboys: A Familiar Landing Spot

After being traded from San Francisco, one of the most intriguing landing spots for Trey Lance would be the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys, under head coach Mike McCarthy, have a quarterback in Dak Prescott who is firmly entrenched as the starter. Prescott has been the face of the Cowboys for several years, but there have been times when his performances have drawn criticism, particularly during the postseason.

Dallas has shown an interest in bolstering its quarterback depth and developing future options, so bringing in a player like Lance could be a wise investment. Lance could learn behind Prescott, absorbing the nuances of the Cowboys’ offense, which is designed to highlight both the passing game and the running attack. Given the Cowboys’ roster strength and offensive system, Lance would have the opportunity to develop at his own pace, without the pressure of immediate starting duties.

Moreover, the Cowboys have historically embraced the notion of grooming quarterbacks for the future. They drafted players like Tony Romo and were able to develop him into a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback. The same type of patient approach could be applied to Lance. His upside as a dual-threat quarterback who can make plays with both his arm and his legs would be an attractive proposition for the Cowboys, particularly as they look to build long-term stability at the quarterback position.

The Minnesota Vikings: A Team in Transition

Another team that has been mentioned as a possible landing spot for Trey Lance is the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings currently have Kirk Cousins as their starting quarterback, but Cousins is nearing the latter stages of his career, and the team could be looking to transition to a younger option in the near future. With a high-powered offense led by wide receiver Justin Jefferson and a strong offensive line, Minnesota could provide Lance with an environment where he can develop while having the resources and support to grow.

The Vikings’ system, which is under the leadership of head coach Kevin O’Connell, emphasizes a balanced offensive attack with a focus on mobility and deep passing. This style of play could suit Lance’s skill set, as his athleticism and ability to make throws on the move would allow him to thrive in such a system. A team like the Vikings, with an aging starting quarterback and a competitive roster, could view Lance as a potential long-term investment who could eventually take over as the starter after a couple of seasons of development.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A Rebuild with Hope

Finally, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers represent another intriguing option for Trey Lance. After Tom Brady’s departure, the Buccaneers find themselves in a rebuilding phase at the quarterback position. With Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask currently in the mix as potential starters, Tampa Bay could look to add Lance to the roster as part of their longer-term vision.

While Lance would have the opportunity to compete for a starting role in Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers’ lack of immediate quarterback stability could also be an appealing factor for him. Being thrust into a competitive situation with the chance to win the starting job might help Lance accelerate his development. If he can adjust to the pro game quickly, the Buccaneers could offer him a chance to show what he can do, and in turn, Lance could become part of a rebuild that positions the team for success in the future.

Trey Lance’s Future in the NFL

Trey Lance’s journey through the NFL has been marked by setbacks, injuries, and uncertainty. However, his potential is undeniable, and several teams across the league are keenly interested in adding him to their roster. Whether it’s a team like the Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, or Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the possibilities for Lance remain abundant. What’s clear is that Lance’s future is far from decided, and with the right environment, coaching, and time, he still has the tools to succeed as an NFL quarterback. For now, the pursuit of Trey Lance remains one of the more intriguing stories in the NFL, as teams look to determine whether his promise will eventually translate into sustained success.