The San Francisco 49ers will probably trade quarterback Trey Lance at some point between now and the 2023 NFL Draft. The team has already announced that Brock Purdy will be the starter, and San Francisco wouldn’t have signed Sam Darnold if they didn’t think he could beat out Lance for the backup job. Things obviously have not gone according to plan for Lance, but he’s only two years removed from being the third-overall pick in the draft, and several teams will likely throw a dart at the former first-round pick.
John Lynch says, “I think Brock has probably earned that right to be the guy. If we were to line up, he’d probably take that first snap.”
Trey Lance said the same thing just a few weeks ago. pic.twitter.com/dpcxEZOvH2
— Drea Blackwell (@KSBWDrea) March 27, 2023
5 Teams That Could Trade For Trey Lance
Baltimore Ravens
Far and away the most obvious choice on the list, the Baltimore Ravens will probably need a new quarterback before long. Lamar Jackson is not happy with his current team, and if he finds a new home, the Ravens will have no answer under center. Tyler Huntley did not play well in relief of Jackson last year, and Trey Lance would be a clear upgrade if the team traded for him. Athletically, he’s the closest thing there is to Lamar Jackson, and his ability to make plays out of nothing should be welcome in an offense with minimal talent at the skill positions.
Tennessee Titans
After three consecutive trips to the playoffs from 2019 to 2021, the Tennessee Titans have officially missed their window and are now entering rebuild mode. After parting ways with several veterans and with Derrick Henry reportedly on the trade block, it doesn’t make much sense to continue with Ryan Tannehill under center. The team needs to get younger, and the fact that Malik Willis couldn’t beat out Josh Dobbs heavily implies that the team does not believe he can be the long-term answer under center. Lance offers tons of untapped potential, so perhaps he can keep this team afloat. Worst-case scenario: he flops and the Titans end up with a top-five pick and the opportunity to select their next franchise quarterback.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons can’t possibly have this much faith in Desmond Ridder, right? The rookie had a few flashes in 2022, but he should not have earned the right to be the unquestioned starter in Atlanta. The team signed Taylor Heinicke to be the backup, but what happens if Ridder falls flat on his face? The quarterback needs some type of competition, and Lance’s skill set fits nicely with what head coach Arthur Smith wants to do on offense. If they’re not going to trade for Lamar Jackson, then Trey Lance makes all the sense in the world.
New York Jets
Plan A for the New York Jets is Aaron Rodgers. However, it’s already April and the Jets and Packers have yet to agree to trade compensation. Perhaps one side backs down as we get closer to the NFL Draft, but the Jets will eventually need to consider the possibility that an Aaron Rodgers trade just won’t happen. In that reality, the Jets simply cannot afford to go back to Zach Wilson. Trey Lance may be unproven, but you’d much rather have an unproven starter than one that you know to be terrible.
Kansas City Chiefs
Obviously, Trey Lance is not going to beat out Patrick Mahomes for the starting job. However, due to the lackluster start to his career, there is a real chance that Lance will need to accept life as a backup quarterback. Kansas City has a great offensive system, but they’d be in a lot of trouble if Mahomes missed any amount of time. With Chad Henne retired, their backup quarterback is currently Shane Buechele, and that’s not a good thing. Nobody can replace Mahomes, but Lance would be able to keep this offense afloat in a worst-case scenario. Additionally, offensive mastermind Andy Reid should be able to successfully scheme up plays for the athletic freak that is Trey Lance.
Main Photo: Kyle Terada – USA Today Sports
