Everyone loves a good redemption story — including the one starring journeyman quarterback Trey Lance.
The Los Angeles Chargers on Tuesday announced they were waiving undrafted rookie QB DJ Uiagalelei. Hours later, news broke that the team was releasing veteran QB Taylor Heinickie. The two moves meant that Lance was the last man standing in the battle to be named Justin Herbert’s primary backup.
The #Chargers have released veteran QB Taylor Heinicke.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 26, 2025
That means Trey Lance has won the backup job to Justin Herbert. pic.twitter.com/iFrnrWHYPG
Lance entered the preseason in competition with Heinicke for the QB2 job. The two were both listed as QB2 on the Chargers’ first unofficial depth chart.
The North Dakota State alum impressed enough in four preseason games, going 32/57 for 334 yards with 2 touchdowns. He also uncorked some wicked throws that reminded everyone why the San Francisco 49ers traded up to make him a top-3 pick four years ago.
Another dime from Trey Lance!
— NFL (@NFL) August 17, 2025
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/KzBita2Ktd
Several fans took to social media to express how happy they were Lance has seemingly been able to turn his career around.
Trey Lance won the backup job in LA.
— lindsey ok (@lindseyyok) August 26, 2025
Really happy for him.
Good for Trey Lance. https://t.co/VXFMUUiHEr
— Grant Cohn (@grantcohn) August 26, 2025
Im so happy for Trey Lance 🔥❤️
— AbSURD (@Ab_Soulutely) August 27, 2025
The Niners organization as great as they are, failed him. He was extremely raw and they tried to force him to be a pocket passer, that’s bad coaching. You gotta use what the young guys can do extremely well, in their favor.
Not wanted by the niners after being drafted #3 and only given a handful of starts.
— David Bousquet (@Djbousquet) August 27, 2025
Not given the chance to play with the cowboys due to politics and not signing an extension in season
Rumors and hateful posts of UFL
Now chargers QB2.
Trey Lance
Hell yeah man. #treylance pic.twitter.com/BBhsVrLtiq
Lance signed with the Chargers in April on a 1-year, $6.2 million deal after languishing on the Dallas Cowboys’ bench for two seasons.
The 25-year-old was once considered the 49ers’ QB of the future under Kyle Shanahan. Injuries and the emergence of Brock Purdy led to his unceremonious exit from San Francisco.
Lance has looked revitalized in a Chargers uniform, which many have credited to the QB whisperer, Jim Harbaugh.
