Justin Herbert is unquestionably the head of the Los Angeles Chargers’ quarterback room. Still behind him on the depth chart in 2026 will be a familiar face, as Trey Lance has agreed to a one-year deal with the Chargers.
Los Angeles announced on Saturday, via a statement on the team’s official website.
The Chargers also shared the news with their followers on X, and it has unsurprisingly been getting plenty of feedback from fans online.
Many used this update on Trey Lance as an opportunity to voice their lack of confidence in the Chargers’ horrible pass protection, which was in a horrible state in 2025.
Is he going to play guard for Herbert ??
— Breen ₉⁹₉ (@__Breeen) March 14, 2026
Good cuz Justin might be dead with this current offensive line
— Lian (@liansanchezzz) March 14, 2026
Its a great deal considering he’ll be starting by week 4 after herbert gets hurt again
— The $100 Store (@the100store) March 14, 2026
Like this becuase we’re gunna need him when we fail to protect Herbert
— Bolton Franco (@francosinatra_) March 14, 2026
Poor offensive line work was a major issue that held the Chargers back from reaching their full potential in 2025. Herbert was frequently punished in the pocket by opposing pass rushers. He absorbed a total of 54 sacks in 16 games. Only Cam Ward and Geno Smith took more sacks than Herbert, who still finished with 3,727 passing yards — ninth overall — despite his porous protection.
Lance saw action in only four games with a start in his first season with the Chargers, who welcomed him in 2025 on a 1-year, $2 million deal. The former No. 3 pick overall had 226 passing yards, 0 touchdowns and 1 interception on 27/45 pass completions overall.
Despite those humble numbers, the Chargers clearly still trust Lance enough as insurance behind Herbert, even giving him a bigger contract worth up to $6.75 million, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
