Former Cowboys QB Trey Lance Joins New AFC Team—What’s Next for His Career?
Trey Lance’s journey through the NFL has been anything but conventional. After a promising start with the San Francisco 49ers, the former third overall pick has found himself with a new team in the AFC, following a move that shocked many fans and analysts alike. But with Lance now embarking on this new chapter of his career, the question remains: what’s next for this once-highly touted quarterback, and how will this fresh opportunity impact his future in the NFL? Let’s take a closer look at the big move and what it means for Lance’s career moving forward.
From High Hopes to Uncertainty: Lance’s Journey So Far
Trey Lance entered the NFL with massive expectations, having been selected by the 49ers as the third overall pick in the 2021 draft. Coming from North Dakota State, a program that’s produced successful NFL talent, Lance was viewed as a project with enormous upside. The 49ers’ decision to trade up for Lance hinted at their belief in his potential to lead the franchise into the future.
However, Lance’s journey took a series of unexpected turns. Injuries and inconsistent play during his limited appearances left many questioning whether he was truly the right fit for the 49ers. His lack of game experience, combined with the emergence of Jimmy Garoppolo and later, Brock Purdy, created a logjam at quarterback. Despite flashes of brilliance, Lance was unable to solidify his role as the starter, leading to his eventual trade to the Dallas Cowboys in 2023. But with limited playing time in Dallas, Lance’s future remained uncertain, and now, as he joins a new AFC team, the question on everyone’s mind is whether this will be the fresh start he’s been waiting for.
A New Beginning: Trey Lance’s Move to the AFC
Lance’s move to a new AFC team is a pivotal moment in his career. This fresh start provides him with an opportunity to prove that he still has the potential to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. By joining an AFC team, Lance enters a conference with a competitive but open quarterback landscape, where he can work on refining his skills and ultimately fight for a starting spot.
For the new team, bringing in Lance could be a low-risk, high-reward move. With his raw athleticism, strong arm, and dual-threat capability, Lance has the tools to develop into a successful quarterback. However, he will need to demonstrate that he can stay healthy, improve his consistency, and develop the mental aspects of his game that were occasionally lacking in his early career.
What’s Next for Trey Lance? The Road to Redemption
As Lance embarks on this new chapter, his next steps are crucial for determining the trajectory of his career. To truly make the most of this opportunity, Lance will need to prove several things:
- Health and Consistency: Injuries have been a major obstacle in Lance’s career thus far. If he can stay healthy and avoid further setbacks, he will be able to focus on developing the skills needed to thrive in the NFL. Consistency in his performances, both in practice and during any future games, will be critical for his long-term success.
- Mental and Tactical Development: Lance has all the physical tools necessary to succeed, but the mental aspect of playing quarterback is just as important. If he can continue to learn how to read defenses, make quicker decisions, and manage the game, he could develop into a starting-caliber QB in the NFL.
- Building Chemistry with His New Team: One of the most important factors for any quarterback is building strong chemistry with his offensive line, wide receivers, and coaching staff. Lance’s ability to connect with his new teammates will be a key component of his success in the AFC, and it will be essential for him to gain their trust both on and off the field.
The Future of the AFC’s Quarterback Landscape
As Lance joins his new AFC team, he enters an interesting quarterback landscape. The AFC is home to some of the league’s most established quarterbacks, including Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow, but it is also filled with young, rising stars like Trevor Lawrence and Justin Herbert. In this crowded conference, Lance will need to carve out his own path and prove he belongs among the league’s elite quarterbacks.
His journey will be one of competition and growth, but it also offers a window of opportunity. As teams continue to look for the next big quarterback, Lance’s physical traits and potential could make him a valuable asset, particularly for a team looking to invest in a quarterback with the ability to grow over time.
Will Trey Lance Become a Starting QB Again?
The biggest question surrounding Lance’s future is whether he can become a starting quarterback once again. If he can develop into a consistent performer, it’s certainly possible that he could eventually lead his new team to success. The road will not be easy, but it is one that many young quarterbacks have navigated before.
Lance’s move to the AFC gives him the opportunity to start fresh, where he can prove himself in a conference that is still wide open in terms of quarterback talent. While there may be some hurdles along the way, Lance’s raw potential, combined with his desire to succeed, could be the keys to unlocking the next phase of his career.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Trey Lance’s NFL Journey
Trey Lance’s move to a new AFC team marks the beginning of what could be a defining moment in his career. After a tumultuous start in San Francisco and limited opportunities in Dallas, Lance has a chance to prove that he can live up to the high expectations that were placed on him when he was drafted. The road ahead is filled with challenges, but with the right environment, coaching, and development, Lance still has the potential to become the quarterback many once believed he could be.
For now, all eyes will be on Lance as he embarks on this new journey. Will he be able to overcome his past struggles and prove that he belongs in the NFL? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain—his journey is far from over, and the 2025 season could be the year he makes his mark.
