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 with the Los Angeles Chargers. He achieved early success at North Dakota State, winning the Walter Payton and Jerry Rice Awards and a national championship. Drafted third overall by the San Francisco 49ers in 2021, his time there was hampered by limited play and injuries, resulting in a trade to the Dallas Cowboys. After two seasons as a backup, Lance signed with the Chargers in 2025, seeking a fresh opportunity to showcase his talents.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2005: Alex Smith Drafted

In 2005, Alex Smith was drafted. Trey Lance became the first first-round quarterback for the 49ers since Alex Smith in 2005.

February 2017: Recruiting Event at University of Minnesota

In February 2017, Trey Lance attended a recruiting event at the University of Minnesota and was initially prepared to commit there. However, he was viewed as a wide receiver or defensive back prospect, and the offer did not materialize.

December 2017: Committed to North Dakota State

In December 2017, Trey Lance committed to play football at North Dakota State University.

2018: Redshirted at North Dakota State

In 2018, Trey Lance was redshirted at North Dakota State University, but he played in two games, recording two rushing touchdowns.

2019: Named Starter, Led Bison

In 2019, Trey Lance was named the starting quarterback. He led the Bison to the 2020 NCAA Division I Football Championship Game.

October 2020: Played Single Game Against Central Arkansas

In October 2020, Trey Lance made his only game appearance of the season against Central Arkansas, throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for two more while also throwing his only interception in college.

2020: NCAA Champion MVP, Walter Payton Award, Jerry Rice Award

In 2020, Trey Lance was named MVP after leading the Bison to victory in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Game. He also received the Walter Payton Award as the FCS's most outstanding offensive player and the Jerry Rice Award as the FCS's best freshman.

2020: Walter Payton and Jerry Rice Awards, NCAA Championship

In 2020, Trey Lance won the Walter Payton and Jerry Rice Awards as a freshman at North Dakota State. He also led the team to victory in the 2020 NCAA Division I Football Championship Game.

July 28, 2021: Signed Four-Year Rookie Contract

On July 28, 2021, Trey Lance signed his four-year rookie contract, worth $34.1 million.

2021: First Career Win

In 2021, Trey Lance earned his first career win in Week 17 against the Houston Texans, throwing for 249 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. He later revealed he had battled a right index finger injury during the season.

2021: NFL Debut

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

2021: Drafted by San Francisco 49ers

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

2021: Opted Out for NFL Draft

In 2021, following a game against Central Arkansas in October 2020, Trey Lance announced he would opt out of the remainder of the season to prepare for the 2021 NFL draft.

2021: Signed Rookie Contract

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

2022: 49ers NFC Championship Game

In 2022, Brock Purdy helped lead the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game which contributed to the uncertainty of Trey Lance's position in 2023.

2022: Draft Trade Compensation

In 2022, the San Francisco 49ers traded their first-round pick, as part of the compensation for trading up with the Miami Dolphins to draft Trey Lance.

2022: Last Regular Season Action

Trey Lance had his first regular season action since 2022.

August 26, 2023: Traded to Dallas Cowboys

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

2023: Uncertainty in Training Camp

In 2023, Trey Lance entered training camp with the 49ers in uncertain terms due to his limited play and the success of Brock Purdy. He was later named the third-string backup.

2023: Draft Trade Compensation

In 2023, the San Francisco 49ers traded their first-round pick, as part of the compensation for trading up with the Miami Dolphins to draft Trey Lance.