Does This Former Third-Overall Pick Stand a Chance as the Chargers Backup Quarterback?
In a preseason packed with eye-catching storylines, one member of the Los Angeles Chargers has been a leader of the offense for the past couple of weeks—and it’s not Justin Herbert. Former quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers, Trey Lance, is turning heads in Los Angeles for his poise and tactics. While repping powder blue and sunshine yellow, he fights during his fifth season with the NFL to become Herbert’s backup on the field. Although he is no longer a rookie, Lance enters this season with a fresh slate, eager to finally showcase the potential he flaunted in college. The enthusiasm is high, as Lance reportedly stated, “Guys are joyful. Guys love it. Coaching staff, players, just a fun place to play.”
Overall, this preseason, Lance has been highly effective, going 20-for-34 with 175 passing yards and 56 rushing yards, accounting for a total of three touchdowns. During the July 31st Hall of Fame Game, Lance showed his ability to extend plays while thinking quickly on his feet. This led him to earn a remarkable 137.8 passer rating while scoring two touchdowns against the Detroit Lions. He must lean into that dual-threat ability and ball security to regain his NFL reputation and compete for a spot on the Chargers' 53-man roster. Eric Rogers, the Chargers' cornerback, also contributed to the team's success by intercepting two passes, which gave the offense crucial field position.
Before his NFL debut, Trey Lance starred at North Dakota State, winning the Walter Payton and Jerry Rice Awards after a 2019 season with 42 total touchdowns and zero interceptions. Drafted third overall by the 49ers in 2021, his career stalled due to injuries before he signed with the Chargers in April. Lance is officially back in the Golden State this 2025 season as he rocks the number five jersey. He is reported to be fighting hard for the number two quarterback position, trailing only Herbert and seasoned player Taylor Heinicke.
As the Chargers train in El Segundo, California, the quarterback competition remains a trending topic in the media during their preseason training. Head coach Jim Harbaugh told the public that Lance has been “working on something” as a reason for his absence on August 14th. Harbaugh also mentioned that he expects Lance to play on Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams, following Herbert’s start. Lance didn’t participate in team drills with the second-team offense on August 12th, and it was understood that DJ Uiagalelei and Heinicke would handle every rep with the second unit. After practice, Greg Roman, the offensive coordinator for the Chargers, explained that this move was done purposely to give Herbert more live reps while keeping Lance in the lineup. By controlling his workload in this manner, Lance can focus on particular areas of the offense, such as timing with his receivers and analyzing defensive coverages during walkthroughs, while remaining healthy and fresh.
Lance has obvious room for improvement despite his occasional bursts of talent. He occasionally makes risky decisions while under pressure, and his deep-ball accuracy may be unpredictable. He still needs to work on his ability to read intricate defensive plans and recognize blitzes. In contrast, Heinicke provides consistency and NFL experience, which makes the competition for the Chargers' second-string quarterback a close race. Lance's dual-threat potential offers him an advantage in mobility and playmaking, but he must back it up with steady throwing techniques and sharper reads to back up his case.
Trey Lance has impressed many this preseason with his dual-threat ability and ball security, demonstrating that he has the skills to serve as the Chargers' backup quarterback. However, he still needs to improve in areas such as reading defenses and maintaining deep-ball accuracy when under pressure. On the other hand, Taylor Heinicke's consistency and experience make the competition a close race. Thus, if Lance continues to refine his skills and leverage his athleticism, he might have a chance at securing a significant role in Los Angeles this season.
