Selected third overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2021 NFL Draft, Trey Lance was initially heralded as the franchise’s future quarterback. However, his journey has been far from typical, culminating in an unexpected trade to the Dallas Cowboys before the 2023 season.
Despite encountering setbacks, many still recognize the potential in the 23-year-old quarterback. His limited opportunities have largely been impacted by injuries and circumstances rather than a lack of talent.
Lance’s remarkable performance at North Dakota State in 2019 highlighted his exceptional abilities, including throwing for 2,786 yards and 28 touchdowns without an interception, while also contributing 1,100 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. This elevated his status heading into the 2021 NFL Draft.
Unfortunately, Lance’s collegiate career was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to limited games for North Dakota State in the spring of 2021. Consequently, Lance had only a few starts in the NFL, primarily filling in during the latter part of the 2021 season and the beginning of the 2022 season.
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Since sustaining an ankle injury that prematurely ended his 2022 season in Week 2, Lance has not had the opportunity to start an NFL game. He was subsequently replaced by Jimmy Garoppolo and later Brock Purdy in San Francisco, ultimately resulting in his trade to the Cowboys, where he did not see any playing time.
Despite these challenges, there remains confidence in Lance’s ability to succeed as a starting quarterback in the NFL. NFL Network’s Rich Eisen has reported that the Minnesota Vikings could be interested in acquiring Lance.
Coming from Marshall, Minnesota, Lance is a hometown prospect, and with Kirk Cousins set to become a free agent this offseason, the Vikings may view him as a viable option. If Lance fulfills his potential, the Vikings would secure their quarterback of the future, with the added allure of a local hero.
While it is likely that Cousins will return, the possibility of Lance joining the Vikings presents an intriguing opportunity for both player and team alike.
