Trey Lance: From College Phenomenon to NFL Struggler – An In-Depth Look at His Decline and What Went Wrong

 

Trey Lance: From College Phenomenon to NFL Struggler – An In-Depth Look at His Decline and What Went Wrong

Trey Lance, once hailed as the future of the NFL after a dominant college career at North Dakota State, is now fighting for relevance in the league. Despite being drafted 3rd overall in 2021 and securing a $34 million rookie contract, Lance's performance has fallen short, leaving many to wonder if he was overhyped from the start.

College Career: Dominance at NDSU Trey Lance didn’t just attend college—he dominated at North Dakota State University (NDSU). While other quarterbacks were padding their stats in Power Five conferences, Lance led the Bison to a 39-game winning streak and a 2020 NCAA Division I Football Championship. In 2019, he threw for 28 touchdowns and ZERO interceptions, while rushing for over 1,100 yards. But here’s the question: does anyone in the NFL care about NDSU? Apparently, not enough.

Current Stats: Underwhelming Numbers Let’s face it—Trey Lance’s stats are far from impressive. As of 2024, he’s played 12 games with 5 starts, totaling 1,063 passing yards, 5 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. On the ground, he’s managed only 276 yards and 1 touchdown. In his 2024 season finale with the Cowboys, he went 20-of-34 for 244 yards in a loss. Is this the quarterback who was supposed to be the future of the NFL, or just another overhyped draft pick?

The Contract: A $34 Million Gamble Lance signed a 4-year, $34.1 million rookie contract with the 49ers after being drafted 3rd overall in 2021. The contract was fully guaranteed, including a $22.1 million signing bonus. Fast forward to 2024, and the Cowboys are paying him $5.31 million to sit on the bench. They also declined his fifth-year option, meaning he’ll be a free agent after this season. Was he worth the investment? Spoiler: Probably not.

Starting Role: Desperation or Development? Trey Lance started the 2024 season finale for the Cowboys because the team had no other viable options. With Dak Prescott injured, Cooper Rush hurt, and the team already out of playoff contention, Lance got the chance to start. It was his first start since 2022, when he broke his ankle with the 49ers. Is this a comeback story or simply a last-ditch effort to salvage his career?

Background: Personal Life and Nationality Trey Lance is American, born in Marshall, Minnesota. He’s an Evangelical Christian and was a leader in his high school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His father played in the CFL. While this may be an interesting personal background, does it really matter when he’s struggling to stay relevant in the NFL? Probably not.

Tattoos: The Mystery Here’s a curious point: no one knows if Trey Lance has tattoos. And honestly, who cares? If he’s not performing on the field, his body art (or lack of it) is the least of anyone’s concerns.

The Bottom Line Trey Lance was supposed to be the next big thing—a dual-threat quarterback with unlimited potential. But now, in 2024, he’s fighting for a spot on the Cowboys’ roster. Is he a victim of bad timing and injuries, or was he simply overhyped from the start? One thing’s for sure: the clock is ticking on his NFL career. Will he rise from the ashes, or fade into obscurity? Only time will tell.