Trey Lance at a Crossroads: Could the CFL Be His Path Back to the NFL?

A Crucial Moment in Trey Lance’s Career
Trey Lance finds himself at a pivotal juncture in his football journey. The former No. 3 overall pick, once considered the future of the San Francisco 49ers, is now facing the uncertainty of free agency with no guaranteed spot on an NFL roster. As teams prepare for the upcoming season, Lance remains an afterthought in the quarterback market.

However, an unexpected opportunity has emerged. The Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL) have added Lance to their “negotiation list,” giving them exclusive rights to negotiate with him should he consider playing in Canada. While this does not mean discussions are underway, it presents an intriguing alternative for Lance to revitalize his career.

Why the Cowboys and the NFL May No Longer Be an Option
Lance’s current standing in the NFL is precarious. After being traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 2023, he failed to see the field behind Dak Prescott and backup Cooper Rush. Now, with Dallas reportedly looking to draft another quarterback, his future with the team appears bleak.

What’s more concerning is the lack of reported interest from other NFL teams. If there have been offers, they have been kept well under wraps. Unlike star quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Russell Wilson—who once appeared on CFL negotiation lists but never needed to explore that option—Lance may not have the luxury of waiting for an NFL call. His time to make a decision is running out.

Could the CFL Be a Smart Move for Lance?
For quarterbacks who struggle to find their footing in the NFL, the CFL has served as a proving ground. The league has a history of developing overlooked players, giving them valuable reps and exposure. In Lance’s case, this could be the perfect way to address the biggest criticism of his game: lack of experience.

Since his college days at North Dakota State, Lance has played very few meaningful snaps. In fact, injuries and depth chart battles have prevented him from ever gaining consistent game action. NFL teams are hesitant to take a chance on a quarterback who lacks live reps, yet they also won’t give him the opportunity to gain those reps on their roster. It’s a vicious cycle—one that could be broken if he chooses to play in Canada.

The CFL Could Be Lance’s Best Bet to Secure His NFL Future
Lance is still only 24 years old, turning 25 soon. He has a powerful arm, elite athleticism, and the potential to be a dual-threat quarterback. What he lacks is the game experience to prove he belongs in the NFL.

Signing with a CFL team, even for just a year, would give him the opportunity to start, develop his skills, and gain the confidence needed to compete at a high level. If he dominates in the CFL, he could return to the NFL at 26 years old with actual game tape to show teams, rather than just raw potential.

Betting on Himself: A Risk Worth Taking?
Many players take one-year “prove-it” deals in the NFL, but Lance could take this to another level by proving himself in the CFL. He could get the playing time he desperately needs, rebuild his stock, and position himself for a real opportunity back in the NFL.

While it may seem like a step down, it could ultimately be a step forward. If playing in Canada is what it takes for Lance to get back under the bright lights of the NFL, it might just be the smartest decision of his career.