The Los Angeles Chargers are making sure some major holes are plugged during free agency. While the team has made some signings already, they have found the backup quarterback without having to look too far. Let’s take a closer look at who it is and what this would mean for the Chargers in 2026.
The Los Angeles Chargers re-sign quarterback Trey Lance
Los Angeles Chargers, Trey Lance
Nov 30, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Trey Lance (5) drops back to pass against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles Chargers have brought back one of their free agents, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting they have re-signed quarterback Trey Lance to a one-year contract. The deal can reach a maximum of $6.75 million, but the incentives for this contract have not been disclosed as of this writing.
Lance was the backup quarterback for the Chargers last season, so he is familiar with coach Jim Harbaugh’s system. Despite being the third pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, he has not been on the field often. He has played in 16 games (six starts) and has completed 108 of 200 (54.0%) of his passes for 1,289 yards with five touchdowns and five interceptions. Lance also has used his legs as he has 82 rushing attempts for 361 yards (4.4 yards per carry) with a rushing touchdown.
Lance will be backing up Justin Herbert once again, one of the more healthy quarterbacks in the NFL. However, if he goes down than Lance will likely get the opportunity to get into games. With the Chargers having hopes of doing better in the postseason than they have in recent memory, getting Lance as a backup quarterback once again ensures that there is a lot of raw talent in the locker room for the Los Angeles Chargers.
It will be intriguing to see if Lance can take a step forward in his abilities on the field and be viewed as a possible starting quarterback at this point next season.