Trey Lance, once hailed as the future of the San Francisco 49ers, has had a career filled with highs and lows. Drafted with the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Lance was expected to be the next big thing in the NFL. However, injuries and competition have kept him from taking over as a starting quarterback. Now, in 2024, Trey Lance finds himself as the backup quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, waiting for his opportunity to shine.
Lance’s journey has been anything but smooth. After being traded from the 49ers to the Cowboys in 2023, he has not seen much playing time. As the emergency third quarterback, Trey Lance is in a challenging position, but he remains hopeful that his time will come.
Key Takeaways
- Trey Lance is currently the backup quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, traded from the San Francisco 49ers in 2023.
- His career has been hindered by injuries, including a season-ending ankle injury in 2022.
- Despite limited playing time, Lance was a highly sought-after prospect, drafted third overall in 2021.
- His current contract with the Cowboys includes a $1.055 million base salary for 2024.
- Lance played college football at North Dakota State, where he was a standout player.
Trey Lance’s Draft Journey
Trey Lance was selected as the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. This was a big move for the 49ers, who traded up to secure Lance in hopes that he would lead them to future success. He was part of a highly competitive draft class that also included notable quarterbacks like Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson.
At the time, Lance was known for his strong arm, mobility, and leadership skills, which he showcased during his time at North Dakota State University. He led his college team to a national championship and earned several awards, including the Walter Payton Award and the Jerry Rice Award.
| Draft Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Draft Year | 2021 |
| Draft Pick | 3rd overall |
| Draft Team | San Francisco 49ers |
| Other QBs in Draft Class | Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson |
Trey Lance’s Time with the San Francisco 49ers
During his time with the 49ers, Trey Lance showed promise but faced tough competition for the starting quarterback position. In his rookie season, he played behind veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. The 49ers were hesitant to hand over the starting job to Lance, and his playing time was limited.
In 2022, Trey Lance’s chances of securing the starting role came to a halt when he suffered a severe ankle injury. The injury required surgery and ended his season, further delaying his development as a starting quarterback.
Trey Lance’s Trade to the Cowboys
In August 2023, Trey Lance was traded from the San Francisco 49ers to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick. This trade surprised many, as the 49ers had invested heavily in Lance just two years earlier. The move to Dallas gave Lance a fresh start, but with Dak Prescott entrenched as the starting quarterback, Lance has found himself as a backup once again.
Despite the lack of playing time, the Cowboys see potential in Lance. His athleticism and strong arm still make him a valuable asset to the team, especially as an emergency backup quarterback.
Trey Lance’s Stats and Performance
Trey Lance’s NFL career stats reflect limited opportunities due to his injuries and role as a backup. However, he has shown flashes of brilliance when given the chance.
His NFL career stats as of 2024 include:
- Completed Passes: 56 out of 102
- Passing Yards: 797 yards
- Touchdowns: 5 passing touchdowns
- Interceptions: 3 interceptions
- Rushing Yards: 235 rushing yards
- Rushing Touchdowns: 1
These numbers hint at Lance’s dual-threat ability as a quarterback, but his potential remains largely untapped due to his limited playing time.
What Happened to Trey Lance?
Trey Lance’s career has not followed the traditional path of a high draft pick. Injuries, including the ankle injury that ended his 2022 season, and competition from veteran quarterbacks have prevented him from securing a full-time starting role. Despite these setbacks, Lance remains a talented player with the potential to grow in the right situation.
His move to the Cowboys represents a new chapter in his career, but with Dak Prescott firmly in control as the starting quarterback, Lance’s opportunities are limited. He serves as the third-string quarterback, waiting for a chance to prove himself once again.
Trey Lance’s Contract and Salary
Trey Lance signed a four-year contract worth $34.1 million with the San Francisco 49ers in 2021, which included a $22.1 million signing bonus. His contract is fully guaranteed, ensuring financial stability despite his limited playing time.
In 2024, his base salary is $1.055 million, with a roster bonus of $4.255 million, making his total cap hit $5.31 million. This places him in a good financial position as he continues his career with the Cowboys.
Where is Trey Lance Now?
As of October 2024, Trey Lance is with the Dallas Cowboys, serving as the emergency third quarterback. While he is not expected to see much playing time this season, Lance continues to develop his skills in practice and remains ready for any opportunity that comes his way.
Summary of Trey Lance’s Career
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Current Team | Dallas Cowboys |
| Position | Backup Quarterback |
| Draft Year | 2021 (3rd overall) |
| Injuries | 2022 ankle injury |
| Contract | 4 years, $34.1 million |
| 2024 Salary | $1.055 million base, $5.31 million total cap hit |
FAQs
What happened to Trey Lance?
Trey Lance’s career has been affected by injuries and competition for the starting quarterback role. He was traded from the San Francisco 49ers to the Dallas Cowboys in 2023 and currently serves as the backup quarterback.
Where is Trey Lance now?
Trey Lance is currently with the Dallas Cowboys, serving as their emergency third quarterback. He has not seen much playing time this season but continues to develop with the team.
What are Trey Lance’s career stats?
As of 2024, Trey Lance has completed 56 of 102 passes for 797 yards, with 5 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. He also has 235 rushing yards and 1 rushing touchdown.
What injury did Trey Lance suffer?
Trey Lance suffered a season-ending ankle injury in 2022, which required surgery to repair a fractured fibula and ligament damage.
What is Trey Lance’s salary?
In 2024, Trey Lance’s base salary is $1.055 million, with a total cap hit of $5.31 million. His contract with the Cowboys runs through the 2024 season.
What team did Trey Lance play for in college?
Trey Lance played college football at North Dakota State University, where he led the team to a national championship and won multiple awards.