Trey Lance: The “Best Fit” for a Division Rival in Free Agency

As the NFL enters another offseason, all eyes are on Trey Lance, the once-promising quarterback drafted by the San Francisco 49ers with the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Lance’s career has been marred by injuries, inconsistency, and, ultimately, a lack of opportunities. After an underwhelming stint with the Dallas Cowboys in 2023, Lance now finds himself entering free agency, uncertain of his future. While some may see his time in the NFL as a failure, others believe Lance still has the potential to be a starting quarterback in the right system. According to recent reports, one team that could be the perfect landing spot for Lance is a division rival of the Cowboys – the Washington Commanders.

A Rocky Start

Lance’s NFL journey has not been easy. The 49ers, after drafting Lance in 2021, initially hoped to groom him into their long-term franchise quarterback. However, his first two seasons were plagued by injuries and a lack of playing time. After suffering a season-ending injury in Week 2 of 2022, Lance was relegated to backup duties behind veteran Jimmy Garoppolo. The 49ers ultimately decided to move on from Garoppolo, turning to Lance’s successor, Brock Purdy, who led the team to the NFC Championship Game in 2023.

In August 2023, the 49ers made the decision to trade Lance to the Dallas Cowboys in a low-risk, high-reward deal. The hope was that Lance could develop under the tutelage of Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, learning behind the established Dak Prescott. However, Lance’s time in Dallas was similarly uneventful. Despite being considered a potential long-term backup, Lance spent most of the season as the third-string quarterback. By the end of the season, it became clear that the Cowboys were not investing heavily in his development.

What Went Wrong in Dallas?

Lance’s struggles with the Cowboys can be attributed to several factors. For one, he never received a substantial amount of playing time, even during preseason games. McCarthy and the Cowboys were clearly invested in Prescott as their starting quarterback, leaving Lance with limited opportunities to showcase his abilities.

Furthermore, Lance’s development had been stunted by years of instability. The 49ers’ decision to trade up for him in 2021 came with high expectations, but Lance had only played one season at the FCS level at North Dakota State before entering the NFL. The steep jump from college football to the NFL proved to be a difficult transition, with Lance never quite finding his footing in San Francisco or Dallas. This lack of game experience, combined with his struggles to stay healthy, contributed to the perception that Lance was an unfinished project.

Despite the setbacks, Lance still possesses significant physical talent. His athleticism, arm strength, and ability to extend plays with his legs make him an intriguing prospect for teams looking for a dual-threat quarterback. However, the question remains: can Lance develop into a reliable starter in the NFL? This is where the Washington Commanders come in.

A Fresh Start in Washington?

The Washington Commanders are one of the teams that could offer Lance a fresh start in 2024. Despite their own quarterback issues, the Commanders have shown signs of improvement and have a young, talented roster. Their decision to bring in a new quarterback could be the perfect opportunity for Lance to reignite his career.

Washington has struggled to find consistency at the quarterback position for years. From Carson Wentz to Taylor Heinicke to Sam Howell, the Commanders have cycled through multiple quarterbacks without finding a clear leader under center. While Howell has shown some promise, there are still questions about whether he is the long-term solution. This is where Lance could potentially fit in.

Why Trey Lance is a Good Fit for the Commanders

There are several reasons why the Commanders may be the perfect landing spot for Lance. First and foremost, Washington’s offense has shown a willingness to adapt to mobile quarterbacks. Head coach Ron Rivera and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy have experience working with dual-threat quarterbacks, most notably with mobile quarterbacks like Cam Newton and Patrick Mahomes. Lance’s mobility could be a huge asset in this system, allowing him to be used in both traditional drop-back situations and read-option plays that capitalize on his athleticism.

Additionally, Lance’s style of play complements Washington’s existing offensive personnel. With a strong running game led by Brian Robinson Jr. and a solid group of wide receivers, including Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and Curtis Samuel, Lance would have the tools to succeed. Washington’s offense is not reliant on a high-powered passing game, which could give Lance the time and space to develop and grow as a quarterback without the immediate pressure of leading a pass-heavy attack.

Another factor that makes Washington an attractive destination for Lance is their relatively low expectations. The Commanders are not expected to contend for a Super Bowl in the near future, which gives Lance the freedom to develop without facing intense scrutiny. In a less high-pressure environment, Lance could have the time to refine his skills and improve his consistency.

The Development Plan

Should Lance sign with the Commanders, a well-structured development plan would be essential. For Lance to succeed in Washington, the team’s coaching staff would need to focus on several key areas of his game. First, they would need to improve his decision-making and ability to read defenses. Lance’s biggest weakness coming out of college was his rawness as a passer, and this has remained an issue at the NFL level. Consistency in the pocket and a better understanding of defensive schemes will be crucial for Lance to take the next step in his career.

Moreover, Lance will need to work on his mechanics and footwork. His throwing motion has been criticized for being inconsistent, leading to inaccurate passes at times. A focus on improving these fundamentals could make a world of difference in his development.

Finally, the Commanders will need to create an environment that fosters Lance’s growth. This means ensuring he has access to the best quarterback coaches, helping him build chemistry with his teammates, and giving him enough opportunities to get meaningful playing time.

The Risks and Rewards

Of course, there are risks involved with signing Trey Lance. His lack of experience and inconsistent play in his first few years in the NFL could cause some teams to hesitate. But for the Commanders, the potential rewards could be significant. If Lance develops into a reliable starter, the Commanders could have found their quarterback of the future on a relatively inexpensive contract. Given the volatility of the quarterback position, taking a chance on Lance could prove to be a low-risk, high-reward move.

Moreover, adding Lance would give the Commanders the ability to create competition at the quarterback position. This could push both Lance and Howell to improve, raising the level of play for the team overall.

Trey Lance’s NFL career has been filled with ups and downs, but he still has the tools to succeed in the right system. The Washington Commanders could provide the perfect opportunity for Lance to revitalize his career. With a coaching staff that has experience working with mobile quarterbacks, a solid offensive line, and a strong running game, Washington could be the ideal landing spot for the young quarterback. If given the proper time to develop, Lance could become the quarterback the Commanders have been searching for – making this a potential win-win situation for both parties.

As the 2024 free agency period looms, all eyes will be on Trey Lance and where his next chapter in the NFL will unfold. For the Washington Commanders, taking a chance on Lance could be the key to solving their quarterback dilemma and building a brighter future.