The Chargers retained the services of backup quarterback Trey Lance for another season, agreeing Saturday to terms with the former third overall pick on a one-season contract reportedly worth up to $6.75 million. Lance played four games last season with the Chargers.
The San Francisco 49ers selected Lance in the first round of the 2021 draft, anticipating that he would be their starting quarterback for years to come. Injuries derailed Lance’s career before long and he hasn’t filled the expectations thrust upon him coming out of North Dakota State.
Lance, 25, spent three seasons with the 49ers, then one with the Dallas Cowboys before signing with the Chargers before the 2025 season. He appeared in three games in relief of Justin Herbert in last season and also started the Chargers’ regular-season finale when most of the starters were rested.
The Chargers lost 19-3 to the Denver Broncos in Week 18 at Mile High Stadium, with Lance completing 20 of 44 passes for 136 yards with one interception in place of Herbert, who didn’t dress. Lance also ran for a team-leading 69 yards on nine carries, including a 22-yard scramble.
Overall, Lance has played only 16 games, starting six. He has completed 54% of his passes for 1,289 yards with five touchdown passes and five interceptions. Last season, he completed 47.4% of his passes for 226 yards with one interception. He also rushed for 85 yards on 17 carries.
Lance has taken only 460 snaps in his career, including 100 with the Chargers.
Herbert, Lance and DJ Uiagalelei will form the Chargers’ quarterback room for the 2026 season. Uiagalelei spent most of the past season on the practice squad after signing as an undrafted free agent from Florida State. He was a prep standout at St. John Bosco in Bellflower.