Trey Lance could end up with the Indianapolis Colts. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Lance, along with Daniel Jones, Justin Fields, and Jacoby Brissett are on the Colts’ radar:
“As the Colts look for veteran quarterback options, names on their radar include Daniel Jones, Justin Fields, Trey Lance, and Jacoby Brissett. This is a mix of quarterbacks who can support Anthony Richardson and guys who will be looking to start games somewhere. Indianapolis has not given up on Richardson, but how the team approaches the free agency period will be telling.”
Trey Lance Is Not the Answer for the Indianapolis Colts
His Career Thus Far
Trey Lance played college football at North Dakota State. During the 2018 season, he dressed for all 15 games but used a redshirt year. He played in two games, though, recording two rushing touchdowns.
Lance became the starting quarterback in 2019 and started all 16 games that year. He was named the MVFC Newcomer and Offensive Player of the Week after putting up 301 yards of total offense and six touchdowns versus the Butler Bulldogs. Lance led the Bison to the first 16-0 finish in college football since 1894. He was also the first freshman to win the Walter Payton Award as the top offensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision. He won the Jerry Rice Award as well.
Trey Lance powered the Bison to the 2020 NCAA Division I Football Championship Game and was named MVP of that contest. Lance finished the 2019 campaign, passing for 2,786 yards, 28 touchdowns, and no interceptions. He also rushed for 1,100 yards and 14 touchdowns.
During the 2020 season, Lance played in North Dakota State’s only game of the fall (due to the COVID-19 pandemic) against Central Arkansas. He then announced his intention to pursue an NFL career.
The San Francisco 49ers later drafted Lance third overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, he never panned out in San Francisco due to injury and the emergence of quarterback Brock Purdy.
Lance was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in August 2023. While he didn’t play during the 2023 campaign (healthy scratch), Lance started one game for the Cowboys last season.
Why the Colts Shouldn’t Pursue Trey Lance
The Colts drafted Anthony Richardson fourth overall in 2023. So far, the former Florida star hasn’t developed into the franchise quarterback he was supposed to be. Richardson has battled injuries, was benched in favor of Joe Flacco, and has struggled mightily as a passer.
This offseason, the Colts are expected to bring in someone to compete with Richardson. The team is hoping the new quarterback will push Richardson to be a better player.
It’s not too late for Trey Lance to become a star. But the 24-year-old isn’t the answer for the Colts right now. He wouldn’t be much of a threat to Richardson. Lance has had a career similar to Richardson’s. He didn’t play much college football, has struggled with injuries, and is a project. There’s no point in having two projects competing for the starting quarterback job in Indy. The Colts need more of an established veteran like Daniel Jones, someone who has taken a team to the playoffs in the past.
Main Image: Neville E. Guard – USA Today Sports
