The Los Angeles Chargers are resting quarterback Justin Herbert in the regular season finale, which means former top-three pick Trey Lance has the opportunity to spend some time in the spotlight. Famously selected following a massive trade-up by the 49ers, Lance spent his rookie season on the bench and suffered a season-ending injury early in Year 2. This injury allowed Brock Purdy to steal the starting job and made Lance expendable despite the heavy draft investment.
Trey Lance Could Earn New Opportunity After Week 18 Start
Lance hasn’t looked particularly great when on the field, but it’s worth noting he entered the league as a raw prospect and has only made five starts in his career. He’s only 25 now, and given the lackluster state of quarterbacking across the league, he could draw some interest as a free agent if he plays well against a Denver Broncos team that will be fighting for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. While nobody will make him their unquestioned starter, the following three teams could pursue his services in the offseason.
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3. Atlanta Falcons
While it’s too late for them to make the playoffs, the Atlanta Falcons have found some life late in the season. Whether it’s enough to save Raheem Morris’s job is still to be determined, but the fact remains that this team could be dangerous with the right quarterback. Unfortunately, it’s hard to know who that quarterback might be.
Michael Penix tore his ACL and might not be ready for the start of the season, and Kirk Cousins is far too expensive to keep for another season. Even if Penix is ready, the former first-round pick did not impress in 2025. Adding Trey Lance to the mix would add some much-needed competition, and the former top-three pick has plenty of untapped upside for this organization.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
Aaron Rodgers probably has an open invitation to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the four-time NFL MVP could call it a career after this season. If that happens, Mike Tomlin’s squad will once again be searching for an answer under center. Trey Lance is far from the safest bet in the world, but this team needs someone who offers some sense of long-term upside.
Lance cannot be the only option for this team, but bringing him in to compete with someone like Mason Rudolph or Marcus Mariota could be a decent solution. A veteran can provide a safe floor, while Lance offers decent upside with an untapped ceiling.
1. Minnesota Vikings
The J.J. McCarthy Era is off to a rough start. While the former first-round pick played well in his two most recent games, he suffered yet another injury and forced Max Brosmer to finish the season under center. McCarthy cannot stay healthy, and his overall body of work still leaves a lot to be desired.
Minnesota might not completely give up on the Michigan product, but they must add someone to compete for the starting job. Trey Lance might not bring much in terms of proven stability, but an offensive-minded coach like Kevin O’Connell could be drawn to his potential.
