Trey Lance, Chargers Reportedly Agree to New Contract as Justin Herbert's Backup in NFL Free Agency

The Los Angeles Chargers' depth behind Justin Herbert will contain some consistency heading into the 2026 season.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Chargers signed backup quarterback Trey Lance to a one-year contract worth up to $6.75 million on Saturday.

Lance spent the 2025 season as a reserve option for Los Angeles, appearing in four games and making one start.

He was initially selected by the San Francisco 49ers with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, but started in just four games across two seasons as a member of the 49ers due to injuries along with the emergence of Brock Purdy.

Lance was eventually traded from San Francisco to the Dallas Cowboys in Aug. 2023, as the Cowboys sent out a 2024 fourth-round pick in return.

He appeared in four games, including one start, with Dallas before signing a one-year deal to join the Chargers.

Lance looked sharp in the 2025 preseason with Los Angeles, completing 56.1 percent of his throws for 334 yards and two touchdowns without getting picked off.

His lone start during the regular season came against the Denver Broncos in Week 18. Lance finished 20-of-44 for 136 yards and an interception during a 19-3 loss.

Still, it's worth noting that Lance faced a Denver defense that ranked No. 2 in the NFL by allowing a mere 278.2 total yards per game.

Now, he'll be returning to the Chargers under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.