Trey Lance in Serious Trouble: Is His NFL Career on the Brink?
Once seen as a franchise quarterback in the making, Trey Lance’s NFL career is now hanging by a thread. The former third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft has struggled to find stability in the league, and after stints with the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys, his future is in serious jeopardy. With limited playing time, persistent injuries, and questions about his development, Lance is now at a crossroads that could determine whether he remains in the league or fades into obscurity.
From Top Prospect to Roster Bubble
Coming out of North Dakota State, Lance was heralded as a dual-threat quarterback with elite upside. The 49ers bet big on him, trading multiple first-round picks to move up and draft him. However, his time in San Francisco was marred by injuries and inconsistency. After starting just four games in two seasons, the 49ers moved on, trading him to the Dallas Cowboys in 2023 for a fourth-round pick.
Unfortunately for Lance, his situation in Dallas didn’t improve. Stuck behind Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush, he never saw the field in a regular-season game. Now, as the Cowboys consider their quarterback depth chart for 2025, rumors are swirling that Lance could be on the chopping block.
Lack of Development Hurting His Prospects
One of the biggest knocks on Lance has been his lack of live-game reps. He started just one full season in college and has played in only a handful of NFL games. Without meaningful snaps, he has struggled to refine his mechanics, improve his decision-making, and develop into the quarterback many expected him to be.
NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah recently stated, “Lance still has raw talent, but at this point, it’s tough to justify keeping him on a roster without seeing any progress. He’s fallen behind other young quarterbacks, and teams aren’t willing to wait much longer.”
Could Lance Get Another Shot?
Despite his struggles, some teams may still see potential in Lance. A quarterback-needy team could take a chance on him as a reclamation project, similar to how Geno Smith revived his career later on. Teams like the New England Patriots or the Las Vegas Raiders, both of whom have uncertain quarterback situations, could be possible landing spots if he’s released by Dallas.
However, if Lance doesn’t show significant improvement soon, his time in the NFL could be nearing an unfortunate end. With every passing season, the window for him to prove himself as a legitimate starter—or even a capable backup—gets smaller.
What’s Next for Trey Lance?
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Lance to see if he can carve out a role in Dallas or elsewhere. If he’s cut, his options will be limited, and he may have to settle for a practice squad role or even look at the XFL or USFL for playing time.
For a player who once had sky-high expectations, Trey Lance is now fighting for his NFL future. If he doesn’t take advantage of his next opportunity, he might be out of chances altogether.
