Trey Lance entered the NFL with sky-high expectations as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 Draft, but his career has yet to take off.
What makes his situation so unusual is that he hasn’t played enough for anyone to truly evaluate his potential.
Between injuries and depth chart battles, Lance saw limited action in two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.
He was eventually traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 2023 for a fourth-round pick, a steep drop in value from his original draft status. Now, with no signs of interest from NFL teams in free agency, an unexpected opportunity has surfaced-from the CFL.
From first-round pick to an uncertain future
Lance‘s NFL résumé remains incomplete. During his time in San Francisco, he played in just eight games, completing 54.9% of his passes for 797 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions.
He also flashed mobility, rushing for 276 yards and a touchdown. But with the rise of Brock Purdy, Lance was deemed expendable and sent to Dallas.
His time with the Cowboys wasn’t much different. With minimal playing opportunities, he logged just 266 passing yards and one interception. Now, as free agency unfolds, the Cowboys have yet to show any interest in re-signing him, leaving his future in the league in serious doubt.
With no clear path forward in the NFL, the Saskatchewan Roughriders have placed Lance on their negotiation list, giving them exclusive rights to sign him if he chooses to head north.
The news quickly sparked conversation among football fans and analysts. Many believe his days in the NFL are numbered.
“He’s cooked,” one fan bluntly commented. “Third overall pick to maybe having CFL interest? That’s an epic drop in expectations,” added another.
However, some believe this could be the best move for Lance‘s development. NFL reporter Marcus Mosher noted that since the start of the 2018 college season, Lance has played just 1,411 total snaps-far too few to develop properly.
A move to the CFL could give him the reps he desperately needs. Whether he takes this opportunity or continues to seek another NFL shot, one thing is clear-his future in professional football is at a crossroads.
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