Trey Lance has not had a great run in the National Football League. He was the third overall pick in the 2021 draft, when the San Francisco 49ers traded three first-round picks and an additional third-round pick to the Miami Dolphins. Oddly, those four picks turned into Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Bradley Chubb. Now — barring a miracle — Lance’s time with the 49ers seems to be up with the addition of Sam Darnold this offseason and the drafting of Brock Purdy in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Here are five potential landing spots for the former third overall pick.
Houston Texans
One potential landing spot for Lance would be the Houston Texans. It’s unsurprising if you look at the Texans’ current quarterback room. They have the No. 2 overall pick from the 2023 draft, C.J. Stroud, Davis Mills, and Case Keenum. Lance would probably fit in as the second or third QB on their depth chart. Houston also has the weapons that can help any new QB out in running back Dameon Pierce and tight end Dalton Schultz.
Atlanta Falcons
Don’t be surprised if the Falcons pop up in the Trey trade conversation. Their quarterback room is very weak and a QB competition between Desmond Ridder and Lance would be interesting to watch. The Falcons do have the backfield — Tyler Allgeier, and Bijan Robinson — and receiving threats Mack Hollins, Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Scotty Miller that are key for any QB in a new system. Lance would also have Arthur Smith, who can develop quarterbacks.
Indianapolis Colts
Now, did the Colts draft Anthony Richardson? Yes. And they do have Gardner Minshew as the backup However, their owner is Jim Irsay, so he may very well call up the 49ers and end up giving them a second-round pick. Shane Steichen, who is also there as a part of the staff, is the QB whisperer. He did wonders for Jalen Hurts, so maybe he can save Trey Lance, too.
Washington Commanders
This may be the most shocking on the list because it seems the Commanders are rolling with Sam Howell and they have Jacoby Brissett as their current backup. Washington could end up giving up a fifth and a player to get Lance on the roster, similar to what would likely happen if he went to Vegas (but read on for that). Who knows, maybe Eric Bieniemy can save Lance, too.
Las Vegas Raiders
This would be the most likely destination out of them all. The Raiders’ QB position is one of uncertainty. The Raiders did sign Jimmy Garoppolo from the 49ers, but Garoppolo is getting up there in age and was injured last season. After Aidan O’Connell behind him, there’s not much QB depth. It wouldn’t be surprising if Josh McDaniels decides to give up a fourth for Lance.
Compensation and Replacement
Realistically, if Lance were to be dealt, the 49ers would probably get a fifth-round pick for Lance and no more than a fourth. In this trade, it is unlikely any players would be included in the exchange. His price likely went down with the announcement that Sam Darnold would be the backup on Wednesday, and Brock Purdy is locked in as the starter. It seems Kyle Shannan has given Brandon Allen praise for his work during the preseason and training camp. If Lance happened to be traded, Allen would likely be his replacement in San Francisco.
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