Trey Lance

Trey Lance
No. 19 – Dallas Cowboys
Position:Quarterback
Personal information
Born: (2000-05-09) May 9, 2000 (age 24)
Marshall, Minnesota, U.S.
Height:6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:226 lb (103 kg)
Career information
High school:Marshall Senior (Marshall, Minnesota)
College:North Dakota State (2018–2020)
NFL draft:2021 / round: 1 / pick: 3
Career history
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of Week 12, 2024
Passing attempts:108
Passing completions:60
Completion percentage:55.6%
TD–INT:5–4
Passing yards:818
Passer rating:79.9
Rushing yards:249
Rushing touchdowns:1
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Trey Aubrey Lance (born May 9, 2000) is an American professional football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the North Dakota State Bison, where he received the Walter Payton and Jerry Rice Awards as a freshman en route to winning the 2020 NCAA Division I Football Championship Game. Lance was selected third overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2021 NFL draft, but limited play and injuries led to him being traded after two seasons to the Cowboys.

Early life

Lance was born on May 9, 2000, in Marshall, Minnesota.[1] He was trained mainly by his father, Carlton, a former cornerback for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League and the London Monarchs of the World League of American Football.[1][2][3][4]

Lance played running back in youth football and first played at quarterback in middle school.[4][1] He later attended Marshall High School, where he was viewed as the best quarterback prospect in Minnesota.[5] Lance initially wanted to play at the University of Minnesota and had been ready to commit there after attending a recruiting event in February 2017. However, he was deemed a wide receiver or defensive back prospect by them and other Power Five schools.[3][1] Lance eventually committed to North Dakota State in December 2017.[3][6][7]

College career

Lance was redshirted at North Dakota State for the 2018 season, but played in two games in which he recorded two rushing touchdowns.

Lance was named the starter in 2019 and led the Bison to the 2020 NCAA Division I Football Championship Game and was named the MVP during the 28–20 victory.[8][1] He finished the season completing 192-of-287 passes for 2,786 yards, 28 touchdowns, and no interceptions, an NCAA record for most passing attempts in a season without an interception while also rushing for 1,100 yards and 14 touchdowns.[9] For his performance that season, Lance won the Walter Payton Award as the FCS's most outstanding offensive player and the Jerry Rice Award as the FCS's best freshman.[10][11]

Lance was set to start again in 2020 before the season was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. His only game appearance that season was in a single game against Central Arkansas in October 2020. Lance threw for two touchdowns and ran for an additional two, while throwing the only interception of his college career.[9] The Bison were scheduled to make up the rest of the season in early 2021, but Lance announced following the game that he would opt out to prepare for the 2021 NFL draft.[9]

College statistics

North Dakota State Bison
Season Games Passing Rushing
GP GS Record Cmp Att Pct Yds Avg TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg TD
2018 2 0 0–0 1 1 100.0 12 12.0 0 0 200.8 8 82 10.3 2
2019 16 16 16–0 192 287 66.9 2,786 9.7 28 0 180.6 169 1,100 6.5 14
2020 1 1 1–0 15 30 50.0 149 5.0 2 1 107.1 15 143 9.5 2
Career 19 17 17–0 208 318 65.4 2,947 9.3 30 1 173.8 192 1,325 6.9 18

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span
6 ft 3+7⁄8 in
(1.93 m) 		224 lb
(102 kg) 		31+1⁄2 in
(0.80 m) 		9+1⁄8 in
(0.23 m)
All values from Pro Day[12][13]

San Francisco 49ers

2021

See also: 2021 San Francisco 49ers season

Ahead of the 2021 NFL draft, most analysts predicted Lance or Alabama quarterback Mac Jones would be taken third overall by the San Francisco 49ers, who traded up with the Miami Dolphins in exchange for their first-round picks in 2021, 2022, and 2023 and their third-round pick in 2022.[14][15] The 49ers selected Lance, making him their first first-round quarterback since Alex Smith in 2005 and the second-highest drafted FCS player after fellow North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz.[16] Considered a top quarterback prospect in the draft, Lance was one of five quarterbacks taken in the first round. He signed his four-year rookie contract, worth $34.1 million, on July 28, 2021.[17][18]

Lance began the 2021 season as the second-string quarterback behind incumbent starter Jimmy Garoppolo, but made his NFL debut in Week 1 against the Detroit Lions. Lance was used in one play during the first quarter, in which he contributed to the eventual 41–33 road victory by throwing a five-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Trent Sherfield.[19] Two weeks later against the Green Bay Packers, Lance took the field for two plays and scored a rushing touchdown in the first as the 49ers narrowly lost by a score of 30–28.[20]

During a Week 4 28–21 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Lance saw his first significant playing time when he relieved an injured Garoppolo in the second half. Lance completed nine of 18 passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns and rushed seven times for 41 yards.[21] Due to Garoppolo's injury, Lance was named the starter for the following week's game against the Arizona Cardinals.[22] Lance completed 15-of-29 passes for 192 yards and an interception while also rushing 16 times for 89 yards during the 17–10 road loss.[23] Following the game, it was announced Lance suffered a sprained knee.[24] The injury made him unavailable for the Week 7 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, with Nate Sudfeld replacing Lance as the second option behind a returning Garoppolo.[25] Lance returned as Garoppolo's backup during the next week's 33–22 victory over the Chicago Bears.[26] Lance did not take field again until the 49ers' final drive against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 11. He rushed for seven yards before taking the victory formation to complete the 30–10 road victory.[27]

Lance remained the second-string quarterback for the next five weeks until Garoppolo suffered a thumb injury during a 20–17 road loss to the Tennessee Titans. Making his second start in Week 17 against the Houston Texans, Lance threw for 249 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. The 49ers won the game by a score of 23–7, earning Lance his first career win.[28] Lance's start marked his final appearance in 2021 after Garoppolo returned for the regular season finale against the Los Angeles Rams.[29] Lance held a backup role during the 49ers' playoff run, which concluded with a defeat to the Rams in the NFC Championship Game.[30] Following the season, Lance revealed he spent the year battling a right index finger injury he suffered in a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders.[31]

2022

See also: 2022 San Francisco 49ers season

Lance was named the starter over Garoppolo for the 2022 season, but appeared in only two games before suffering a season-ending ankle injury against the Seahawks in Week 2.[32] His only full game of the season was the opener against the Bears, completing 13-of-28 passes for 164 yards and an interception in a 19–10 road loss.[33][34][35] Lance had a second surgery on his ankle to remove hardware causing irritation.[36]

2023

See also: 2023 San Francisco 49ers season

Lance entered the 2023 training camp on uncertain terms due to his limited play with the 49ers and the success of second-year quarterback Brock Purdy the previous season, who helped lead the 49ers to the 2022 NFC Championship Game.[37][38] Ahead of the season, Lance was named the third-string backup behind Purdy and free agent acquisition Sam Darnold, which led to further speculation over his future in San Francisco.[39] Lance completed 22-of-33 passes for 285 yards with two touchdown passes and an interception while playing in San Francisco's first two preseason games against the Las Vegas Raiders and Denver Broncos; he did not play in the team's final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Dallas Cowboys

See also: 2023 Dallas Cowboys season

On August 26, 2023, Lance was traded to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2024 fourth-round pick (Malik Mustapha).[40][41] He was later named the third-string quarterback and was a healthy scratch all season.[42][43]

On May 1, 2024, the Cowboys declined the fifth-year option on Lance's contract, making him a free agent after the 2024 season.[44] During the 2024 preseason, Lance saw the majority of action at quarterback in place of starter Dak Prescott and backup Cooper Rush. In a 26–19 preseason loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, Lance completed 33 of 49 passes for 323 yards and a touchdown but was intercepted five times.[45]

NFL career statistics

Year Team Games Passing Rushing Sacks Fumbles
GP GS Record Cmp Att Pct Yds Y/A Lng TD Int Rtg Att Yds Y/A Lng TD Sck Yds Fum Lost
2021 SF 6 2 1–1 41 71 57.7 603 8.5 76 5 2 97.3 38 168 4.4 15 1 4 15 0 0
2022 SF 2 2 1–1 15 31 48.4 194 6.3 44 0 1 55.0 16 67 4.2 13 0 2 9 1 0
2023 DAL DNP
2024 DAL 2 0 — 4 6 66.7 21 3.5 10 0 1 32.6 4 14 3.5 11 0 2 7 0 0
Career 10 4 2–2 60 108 55.6 818 7.6 76 5 4 79.9 58 249 4.3 15 1 8 31 1 0

Personal life

Lance is an Evangelical Christian and was a leader of his local Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter in high school.[4] His younger brother, Bryce, plays wide receiver at North Dakota State.[46]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Goodbread, Chase (September 30, 2020). "How You Like Me Now?". NFL.com. Retrieved September 30, 2020. Heck, if he enters the 2021 draft, he wouldn't even be able to celebrate his selection with a legal beer; he won't turn 21 until May 9, a couple weeks after the draft, he doesn't drink so it doesn't matter.
  2. ^ "Carlton Lance (2011)". SMSUMustangs.com. Retrieved April 18, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c Schlabach, Mark (September 30, 2020). "Who is Trey Lance? Meet the NFL draft darling playing only once this fall". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  4. ^ a b c Thamel, Pete (September 30, 2020). "All eyes on Fargo: How NDSU's Trey Lance became a top NFL prospect". Yahoo Sports. Retrieved October 1, 2020.
  5. ^ "2018 Minnesota Player Rankings". 247. CBS INTERACTIVE. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  6. ^ Power, Charles (October 3, 2020). "Meet Trey Lance, the best QB you haven't heard of – yet". 247Sports. CBS Interactive. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  7. ^ Thiel, Sam (December 21, 2017). "Marshall's Trey Lance signs National Letter of Intent to play football at North Dakota State University". Marshall Independent. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  8. ^ @NCAA_FCS (January 11, 2020). "Your 2019 #FCSChampionship Most Outstanding Player" (Tweet). Retrieved January 11, 2020 – via Twitter.
  9. ^ a b c Schlabach, Mark (October 6, 2020). "After lone fall game, North Dakota State QB Trey Lance elects to skip spring season, enter NFL draft". ESPN. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  10. ^ "NDSU's Lance 1st freshman to win Payton Award". ESPN.com. Associated Press. January 11, 2020. Retrieved August 16, 2021.
  11. ^ "Bison QB Trey Lance wins Jerry Rice Award". Williston Herald. December 11, 2019. Retrieved April 18, 2021.
  12. ^ "Trey Lance Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved February 6, 2022.
  13. ^ "Trey Lance, North Dakota State, QB, 2021 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football". draftscout.com. Retrieved February 6, 2022.
  14. ^ Purdum, David (April 23, 2021). "Quarterback Mac Jones now favorite to be selected third overall by San Francisco 49ers". ESPN.com. Retrieved May 1, 2021.
  15. ^ Scott, Jelani (April 25, 2021). "49ers shift focus to Alabama QB Mac Jones, NDSU QB Trey Lance with No. 3 pick". NFL.com. Retrieved May 1, 2021.
  16. ^ Gordon, Grant (April 29, 2021). "49ers select North Dakota St. quarterback Trey Lance with third overall pick". NFL.com. Retrieved April 30, 2021.
  17. ^ Smith, Michael David (July 28, 2021). "Trey Lance signs rookie contract with 49ers". ProFootballTalk. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
  18. ^ "49ers Sign QB Trey Lance to a Four-Year Deal and Other Roster Moves". 49ers.com. July 28, 2021. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
  19. ^ "49ers QB Trey Lance throws first career TD pass in win against Lions". The Athletic. September 12, 2021. Retrieved September 16, 2021.
  20. ^ Aferiat, Jake (September 27, 2021). "49ers vs. Packers final score, results: Aaron Rodgers, Mason Crosby walk it off for Green Bay as time expires". Sporting News. Retrieved October 5, 2021.
  21. ^ Martin, Kelana (October 3, 2021). "'Some Good, Some Bad' in Trey Lance's Week 4 Outing vs. Seahawks". San Francisco 49ers. Retrieved October 5, 2021.
  22. ^ Wagoner, Nick (October 8, 2021). "San Francisco 49ers rookie QB Trey Lance to make first career start in place of injured Jimmy Garoppolo". ESPN. Retrieved October 8, 2021.
  23. ^ Benjamin, Cody (October 10, 2021). "Cardinals vs. 49ers score: Kyler Murray outduels Trey Lance as Arizona stays unbeaten atop NFC West". CBS Sports. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
  24. ^ Wagoner, Nick (October 11, 2021). "San Francisco 49ers QB Trey Lance suffered sprained knee in first start". ESPN. Retrieved October 12, 2021.
  25. ^ Wagoner, Nick (October 22, 2021). "Jimmy Garoppolo returns, but Trey Lance, Javon Kinlaw, Maurice Hurst all out Sunday for San Francisco 49ers". ESPN. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
  26. ^ Schrock, Josh (October 31, 2021). "49ers' Kyle Shanahan explains why Trey Lance didn't play vs. Bears". Yahoo! Sports. Archived from the original on December 2, 2021. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  27. ^ Didion, Alex (November 22, 2021). "Shanahan explains why Lance didn't play earlier vs. Jags". NBC Sports. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  28. ^ Crowley, Kerry (January 2, 2022). "49ers Studs and Duds: Shanahan-Lance dynamic a work in progress, but rookie improves". The Mercury News. Retrieved January 3, 2022.
  29. ^ Walker, Patrik (January 9, 2022). "49ers' Jimmy Garoppolo expected to start vs. Rams despite injury, Trey Lance ready if needed in Week 18". CBS Sports. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
  30. ^ Wagoner, Nick (January 31, 2022). "Niners' blown lead ends magical playoff run and possibly the Jimmy Garoppolo era". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 31, 2022.
  31. ^ Dajani, Jordan (May 27, 2022). "49ers' Trey Lance says finger injury affected his rookie season, had to throw the football differently". CBS Sports. Retrieved May 29, 2022.
  32. ^ Wagoner, Nick (September 18, 2022). "San Francisco 49ers' Trey Lance carted off with ankle injury as Jimmy Garoppolo comes on against Seattle Seahawks". ESPN. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
  33. ^ Larrabee, Kirk (September 11, 2022). "49ers QB Trey Lance says he 'made too many mistakes' in loss to Bears". 49ers Webzone. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  34. ^ Skiver, Kevin (September 11, 2022). "By the numbers: 49ers QB Trey Lance 'frustrated with myself' after loss to Justin Fields, Bears". Sporting News. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  35. ^ Cohen, Jay (September 11, 2022). "Lance 'frustrated' with his mistakes in 49ers' loss to Bears". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved September 12, 2022.
  36. ^ Dajani, Jordan (January 1, 2023). "49ers' Trey Lance undergoes second surgery on ankle, is back on crutches". CBS Sports. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
  37. ^ Wirth, Taylor (April 19, 2023). "Report: 49ers, Vikings discussed Lance trade this offseason". NBC Sports Bay Area & California. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  38. ^ Williams, Charean (June 6, 2023). "Kyle Shanahan: 49ers have not talked to Trey Lance about potential trade". NBC Sports. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
  39. ^ Kozora, Alex (August 23, 2023). "Report: Sam Darnold Named 49ers' Backup Quarterback". Steelers Depot. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
  40. ^ "49ers Trade Quarterback Trey Lance". 49ers.com. August 26, 2023. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
  41. ^ Harris, Nick (August 26, 2023). "Cowboys trade for former No. 3 overall pick QB Trey Lance". DallasCowboys.com. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
  42. ^ Henderson, Cydney (August 29, 2023). "Ex-49ers QB Trey Lance says being traded to Cowboys put 'a big smile on my face'". USA TODAY. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  43. ^ Smith, Michael David (October 3, 2023). "Brian Schottenheimer: Cowboys will ask Trey Lance for information to prepare for 49ers". NBC Sports. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  44. ^ Archer, Todd (May 1, 2024). "Cowboys to decline Trey Lance's fifth-year option, source says". ESPN.com.
  45. ^ "Los Angeles Chargers 26, Dallas Cowboys 19". NFL.com. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  46. ^ Thiel, Sam (December 19, 2020). "Marshall's Bryce Lance signs National Letter of Intent to play football at North Dakota State University". Marshall Independent. Retrieved April 7, 2021.