Career Timeline of Trey Lance: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Trey Lance made an impact.

Trey Lance is an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the Los Angeles Chargers. He achieved early success at North Dakota State, winning awards and a national championship in 2020. Drafted third overall by the San Francisco 49ers in 2021, his time with the team was hampered by injuries and limited playing time. After two seasons, he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys, where he served as a backup. In 2025, Lance signed with the Chargers, seeking to revitalize his NFL career.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2005: First First-Round Quarterback Since Alex Smith

In 2005, Alex Smith was drafted. Trey Lance became the first first-round quarterback since Alex Smith

2018: Redshirted at North Dakota State

During the 2018 season, Trey Lance was redshirted at North Dakota State. He played in two games, recording two rushing touchdowns.

2019: Named Starter and Led Bison to Championship Game

In 2019, Trey Lance was named the starter for the North Dakota State Bison and led them to the 2020 NCAA Division I Football Championship Game.

October 2020: Played Game Against Central Arkansas

In October 2020, Trey Lance played in a single game against Central Arkansas. He threw for two touchdowns, ran for two, and threw his only college interception.

2020: Named MVP, Won Walter Payton and Jerry Rice Awards

In 2020, Trey Lance was named MVP of the NCAA Division I Football Championship Game. He also won the Walter Payton Award and the Jerry Rice Award for his performance that season.

2020: Won 2020 NCAA Division I Football Championship Game

In 2020, Trey Lance won the NCAA Division I Football Championship Game with the North Dakota State Bison. He also received the Walter Payton and Jerry Rice Awards as a freshman.

July 28, 2021: Signed Rookie Contract with 49ers

On July 28, 2021, Trey Lance signed his four-year rookie contract with the San Francisco 49ers, worth $34.1 million.

2021: Opted Out of Season and Prepared for NFL Draft

In 2021, Trey Lance announced he would opt out of the remainder of the season to prepare for the 2021 NFL draft.

2021: First Career Win and Playoff Run

In 2021, Trey Lance earned his first career win against the Houston Texans and played in the 49ers' playoff run, which concluded with a loss in the NFC Championship Game. He also revealed he battled a right index finger injury.

2021: NFL Debut and First Touchdown Pass

In 2021, Trey Lance made his NFL debut in Week 1 against the Detroit Lions, throwing a five-yard touchdown pass to Trent Sherfield. He also scored a rushing touchdown against the Green Bay Packers.

2021: Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers

In 2021, Trey Lance was selected third overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL draft.

2022: Brock Purdy Led 49ers to NFC Championship Game

In 2022, Brock Purdy led the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game.

2022: 49ers Traded First-Round Pick

In 2022, The 49ers traded their first-round pick to the Miami Dolphins to select Lance.

2022: First Regular Season Action Since 2022

Trey Lance had his first regular season action since 2022 after Prescott suffered a season-ending injury in Week 9, Lance was elevated to the backup role behind Rush. He made his Cowboys regular season debut against the Philadelphia Eagles, completing four of six passes for 21 yards, was sacked, and threw an interception. The Cowboys started Lance in the season finale against the Washington Commanders, where he had 244 passing yards during the 23–19 loss.

August 26, 2023: Traded to the Dallas Cowboys

On August 26, 2023, Trey Lance was traded to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2024 fourth-round pick.

2023: 49ers Traded First-Round Pick

In 2023, The 49ers traded their first-round pick to the Miami Dolphins to select Lance.

May 1, 2024: Fifth-Year Option Declined

On May 1, 2024, the Dallas Cowboys declined the fifth-year option on Trey Lance's contract. During the preseason, he completed 33 of 49 passes for 323 yards and a touchdown but was intercepted five times.