Justin Herbert will have a new backup in the 2025 NFL season. The Los Angeles Chargers have added a new signal-caller—one who previously backed up Dak Prescott with the Dallas Cowboys.
There’s no doubt that Justin Herbert is one of the most talented quarterbacks in the AFC. The former Oregon standout is viewed as the franchise QB the Chargers have been searching for, but even he can’t carry the team alone.
Since his arrival, the Chargers have added several players to support him. Now, head coach Jim Harbaugh has strengthened the quarterback room with a former first-round pick.
Chargers acquire former No. 3 overall pick to back up Justin Herbert
No team relies solely on one quarterback, no matter how talented he is. While the Chargers have a solid starter in Justin Herbert, they need a dependable backup in case he becomes unavailable at any point.
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Ahead of the 2025 NFL season, the Chargers assessed their quarterback room and realized it needed reinforcements. Although Taylor Heinicke is currently listed as the QB2, head coach Jim Harbaugh believed another signal-caller was necessary to create competition for the backup role.
On Friday, the Chargers signed Trey Lance to a one-year, $6.2 million deal, per Mike Garafolo. The former No. 3 overall pick is now set to play for his third NFL team, after previous stints with the 49ers and Cowboys.
Now that the Chargers have signed Trey Lance, questions still linger about his potential. He was selected with the 3rd overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the 49ers but failed to meet expectations and was traded to the Cowboys last year for a fourth-round pick.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 10: Trey Lance #19 of the Dallas Cowboys looks to pass during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
In Dallas, Lance couldn’t beat veteran Cooper Rush for the backup role. Even when Dak Prescott missed time due to injury, Lance started only one game—which he lost to the Washington Commanders.
Why did the Chargers sign Trey Lance?
Trey Lance’s arrival in Los Angeles has surprised many. The former North Dakota State star entered the league with sky-high expectations, but he has yet to prove himself at the pro level.
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Still, Jim Harbaugh is viewed as a coach who could revive Lance’s career. In his first year with the Chargers, Harbaugh significantly elevated Justin Herbert’s game. Now, the team hopes he can do the same with Lance, giving them a much stronger backup quarterback option.
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