The Los Angeles Chargers didn't exactly protect Justin Herbert well in the 2025 NFL season.
Their franchise quarterback was crushed by opposing defenses over and over again.
That brings into focus their backup QB situation. In 2025, it was Trey Lance.
And while Lance didn't look great in Week 18, he looked solid in the preseason to win the backup job in the first place.
Lance is set to be a free agent. NFL.com's Nick Shook writes that the Chargers should do what they can to keep him around.
"With another year of learning under his belt, Lance could be positioned to keep the ship afloat if Justin Herbert -- who suffered significant carnage in 2025 -- is forced to miss time at some point next season," Shook wrote. "Ideally, the returns of Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt reduce the possibility of that happening, but it's better to have Lance available than a lesser option."
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Lance has followed a fascinating career path. The San Francisco 49ers traded up to draft him, but then he was a top-five bust.
He spent time with the Dallas Cowboys before getting to the Chargers.
Lance wasn't necessarily expected to be Herbert's backup, but he beat out Easton Stick.
Now, the Chargers have to choose whether Lance should remain QB2 going forward.
Given the level of some of the league's backup quarterbacks, Lance may be worth keeping around.
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