Trey Lance, once hailed as one of the top prospects in his draft class, is now drawing interest from an unexpected direction: the Canadian Football League. After two seasons as the third-string quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, Lance is stepping into the free agency market for the first time but finds himself without a contract weeks into the process.
According to reports from TSN’s Dave Naylor, the Saskatchewan Roughriders have placed Lance on their negotiation list. Interestingly, this move is underscored by a personal connection—Lance’s father, Carlton, once played cornerback for the Roughriders. While this development does not guarantee that Lance will be making the leap to the CFL, it signals that the Roughriders are keen to explore the possibility of bringing him on board. Given the current landscape in the NFL, where interest in Lance seems minimal, this situation is worth keeping an eye on.
Lance’s journey took off when the San Francisco 49ers traded up to nab him with the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, following Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson. The 49ers had high hopes for Lance, envisioning him as the successor to Jimmy Garoppolo, especially given Garoppolo’s ongoing injury concerns. After serving as a backup in his rookie season, Lance earned the starting role for the 2022 campaign. Unfortunately, his season was cut short just two games in due to a devastating ankle injury.
The narrative took an unexpected turn when Brock Purdy, drafted as the last pick of the 2022 draft, stepped in after Garoppolo also succumbed to injury. Purdy not only assumed the starting role but went on to lead the 49ers on an impressive run, leaving many to wonder where Lance’s career is headed next.
Lance possesses a skill set that caught the attention of scouts during his time at North Dakota State, showcasing a dual-threat ability that can be a game-changer in the right offensive scheme. It’s a shame he hasn’t had the opportunity to truly shine as a starter in the NFL. A fresh start in a QB-friendly system, perhaps like the one run by Sean McVay in Los Angeles, could be just what Lance needs to unlock his potential and embark on a new chapter in his football journey.
As he stands at this crossroads, one thing is certain: Lance deserves another shot. Whether that happens in the NFL or across the border with the Roughriders remains to be seen.
