Evaluating Chargers’ Decision to Re-Sign Backup QB Trey Lance

The Los Angeles Chargers have agreed to terms with former No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Trey Lance, on a one-year, $6.75 million deal. The Bolts were in need of a reliable backup option for franchise quarterback Justin Herbert, and after impressing in limited opportunities, the signing could benefit both Lance and the Chargers.

Lance, still just 25 years old, had a strong preseason in his first season with the Chargers after signing with the team in free agency, completing 32 of 57 passes (56.1% completion) for 334 yards and two touchdowns while taking three sacks. In the regular season, Lance completed 27 of 57 attempts (47.4% completion) for 226 yards and one interception, while taking six sacks. Additionally, he added 85 yards on 17 carries.

The North Dakota State product has appeared in 16 total games throughout his young career and has proven that he can stress defenses not only with his arm but also with his legs. Furthermore, while his journey might just be getting started, Lance has spent four seasons in the NFL and has worked in a number of different offensive systems throughout his career. In 2023, the Dallas Cowboys acquired Lance for a fourth-round pick in a trade with the 49ers.

Herbert fractured the metacarpal in his non-throwing hand during the Chargers' Week 13 matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders. He underwent successful surgery in December but still played through the injury with a cast. If Herbert goes down again, Los Angeles should feel confident in Lance's ability to shoulder the load in his place. This a low-risk, potentially high-reward signing for Los Angeles, as backup quarterbacks have never been more valuable. The injury set him back and played a major role in putting him in the situation he finds himself in today.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh has expressed his belief in the signal-caller, and Lance still has much more to offer the game. The six-foot-four, 224 pounder has all the intangibles to be a starting quarterback in this league, so the chargers being able to get him on a team friendly deal is a luxury.

Lance suffered a season-ending right fibula fracture and ligament disruption in Week 2 of the 2022 NFL season against the Seattle Seahawks. After getting off to the hottest start of his career, the injury set him back and played a major role in putting him in the situation he finds himself in today.

 Another factor working in Lance’s favor is the environment he now finds himself in. The Chargers organization, specifically the offense led by new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, Los Angeles has made a clear effort this offseason to strengthen the roster around their franchise quarterback while also improving the overall depth of the roster.