The Los Angeles Chargers have quietly settled an important question behind the scenes of their offense. While franchise quarterback Justin Herbert remains the centerpiece of the team’s plans, the organization has moved to secure stability behind him. The Chargers re-signed quarterback Trey Lance to a one-year deal worth $6. 75 million, ensuring the 25-year-old stays in Los Angeles as the team’s primary backup.
Depth at quarterback rarely becomes a headline when a star like Herbert is healthy. Still, the Chargers understand how quickly a season can change. Keeping Lance on the roster offers insurance and familiarity as the offense enters a new phase under coordinator Mike McDaniel.
The team believes Lance’s athletic profile and arm strength make him a useful fit for the evolving offensive system.
Why Trey Lance still intrigues the Chargers
Lance’s journey through the NFL has been anything but typical. Once selected third overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, the former San Francisco 49ers prospect entered the league with enormous expectations. His path shifted quickly after injuries and inconsistent opportunities limited his playing time.
During two seasons in San Francisco, Lance started four games and posted a 2–2 record while throwing five touchdowns against three interceptions. An ankle injury then reshaped the quarterback competition and helped clear the runway for Brock Purdy to rise as the 49ers’ starter.
Lance later spent time with the Dallas Cowboys before landing in Los Angeles. His role with the Chargers has been limited so far, but flashes of potential have kept the coaching staff interested. His only start last season came in the regular-season finale against the Denver Broncos. In that appearance, he completed 20 of 44 passes for 146 yards with one interception.
Earlier in his career, Lance also showed mobility that could complement a modern offensive scheme. In a 2024 game against the Washington Commanders, he threw for 244 yards and ran for 26 yards, showing off the dual-threat ability that made him such an interesting draft prospect.
For the Chargers, the decision is less about replacing Herbert and more about protecting the team’s ambitions. If the starting quarterback stays healthy, Lance may rarely see the field. But if the unexpected happens, Los Angeles now has a backup who already understands the system and still carries the upside of a former top-three pick.
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