When the Los Angeles Chargers signed quarterback Trey Lance during the offseason, it seemed like a strange move, to say the least.
Lance, once the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL Draft, had busted in San Francisco and floundered in Dallas. Now in Los Angeles, he almost seems to be thriving. So what is the difference?
The answer to that appears to be Jim Harbaugh, who believes in Lance's ability and has gotten his career back on the right track.
Jim Harbaugh hyping up Trey Lance. Football is so back. pic.twitter.com/iCaz7nOqGh https://t.co/90DNZlTljH
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 1, 2025
But even with Harbaugh's backing, the Chargers have Taylor Heinicke on the roster. Heinicke has been one of the league's better backup quarterbacks over the last several years. Based on what we had seen from Lance in his first three seasons in the league, he didn't seem to present much of a threat to Heinicke's status.
But through three preseason games, it hasn't looked like much of a competition. Lance has shown the confidence and ability to run the offense that Heinicke suddenly seems stuck in the mud over.
Trey Lance vs. Taylor Heinicke- 2025 preseason
| QB | Completions | Attempts | Comp. % | Yards | TD | INT | QB Rating | Rushing Yards |
| Trey Lance | 27 | 49 | 55.1 | 296 | 2 | 0 | 86.7 | 81 |
| Taylor Heinicke | 7 | 16 | 43.7 | 64 | 0 | 0 | 55.2 | 19 |
The Chargers still have one preseason game to play, but at this point, it would be somewhat shocking if they cut Lance before forming their 53-man roster. Harbaugh had him start the Hall of Fame Game, and he passed that test with flying colors, so unless the team is going to entertain a trade offer, it seems he has earned a roster spot.
READ: Chargers' fifth-round pick named one of draft's top steals
The question now becomes, will the team keep three quarterbacks or cut Heinicke one year after trading for him?
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