Trey Lance
Trey Lance Trey Lance/Instagram

Trey Lance will start at quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers in their 2025 NFL preseason opener against the Detroit Lions. The decision, announced by head coach Jim Harbaugh, comes as the team plans to rest starter Justin Herbert. The matchup is set for Thursday, 1 August, at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.

Harbaugh Names Lance Starting QB for Preseason Opener

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Hall of Fame Game, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said the decision to name Lance the starter was grounded in the need for meaningful game experience. As reported by Sports Illustrated, Harbaugh announced that Lance will take over against the Detroit Lions and is expected to play into the third quarter before being replaced by DJ Uiagalelei.

Trey Lance's Career Path and NFL Journey

Lance was selected third overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2021 NFL Draft following a standout collegiate career at North Dakota State University. As reported by Niners Nation, the former 49ers first-round pick has been competing with veteran Taylor Heinicke for the backup role behind Justin Herbert this offseason and now receives a significant opportunity to showcase his progress.

His time in San Francisco was marred by injuries and limited appearances, including a season-ending ankle injury in 2022. He was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 2023, where he served primarily as a backup and saw limited action across two seasons. In April 2025, he joined the Chargers to compete for the backup role.

Performance Stats and Career Highlights

Lance has appeared in 12 NFL games, starting five of them. He has recorded 1,063 passing yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions, with a career completion rate of around 56.6 percent. On the ground, he has rushed for 276 yards and one touchdown.

In the 2024 NFL season with Dallas, Lance played in four games and passed for 266 yards, while rushing for 41 yards. He did not throw a touchdown and was intercepted once.

During his college tenure, he led North Dakota State to two FCS national titles, earned the 2020 Championship Game MVP award, and won the Walter Payton Award as the most outstanding offensive player in the FCS.

Details of Lance's Chargers Contract

Lance signed a one-year contract with the Chargers in April 2025, worth up to $6.2 million (£4.64 million). The deal includes a $330,000 (£224,568) signing bonus and $1.5 million (£1.12 million) in guaranteed money. According to Over The Cap, his contract carries a 2025 salary cap hit of approximately $2.045 million (£1.53 million), accounting for about 0.7 percent of the Chargers' total cap.

He is eligible to become a free agent in 2026 unless an extension is reached.

Lance Competing for Backup Role Behind Herbert

With Harbaugh emphasising the importance of in-game experience, Thursday's Hall of Fame Game presents Lance with a key opportunity to strengthen his standing in the quarterback depth chart. As reported by Fox News, the Chargers are using the preseason opener to evaluate players who may not have had significant game reps, including Lance and rookie DJ Uiagalelei.

The Chargers' QB room also includes veteran Taylor Heinicke, with the battle for the backup position expected to continue throughout the preseason. Lance's performance against the Lions will likely factor into the coaching staff's evaluation ahead of roster decisions for the 2025 NFL regular season.

Writer's pick