When Justin Herbert is your starting quarterback, the backup position is takes on a much lesser importance. For the Los Angeles Chargers, this means that Trey Lance, at the very least, is a reasonable bet as QB2.
After being selected third overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, Lance had a pair of disappointing seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, where he first served as the backup under Jimmy Garoppolo and was then usurped by Brock Purdy in his second season. He then spent one season as the backup for the Dallas Cowboys before finally landing in Los Angeles in 2025.
In an ideal scenario, most teams would likely prefer to have a veteran game-manager under their belt at backup quarterback— someone who can manage games and keep the team afloat if push comes to shove. Lance, at this point in his career, hasn't developed that skill-set.
But in his press appearance following day two of the Chargers' mandatory minicamp on Wednesday, Herbert provided some strong justification for the team's continued confidence in Lance. Lance played under Mike McDaniel as a rookie in 2021, and he's already been integral in helping Herbert acclimate to the new offensive scheme.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert says Trey Lance has been helpful in understanding OC Mike McDaniel's system and key Shanahan concepts:
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) June 17, 2026
"He's been very helpful. He's got a good understanding of it and any questions I have, I know I can trust him. Same with him, it's a great QB room."
Trey Lance could still play an integral role for the Chargers in 2026
It's not entirely fair to judge Lance off of his lone regular season start from 2025, when most of the team's starters sat in their Week 18 matchup against the Denver Broncos. But I'll throw the numbers out there, anyway. Lance completed 20 of his 44 passing attempts, totaling 136 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception.
As much athletic talent as Lance has, his decision-making as a passer and his technical consistency leave much to be desired. Still, the Chargers feel as though he still has room for development, especially at his age. They signed him to a one-year, $2.5 million deal to return as the backup quarterback for 2026.
When this contract ultimately expires, they'll have a decision to make on their belief in practice-squad QB DJ Uiagalelei's ability to step into that role, especially if Lance garners offers from other organizations. But for now, Lance has the job, and the Chargers are clearly seeing at least the initial benefits in practice.
McDaniel's offensive scheme, on the part of a quarterback, requires a lighter mental load. Protections are often handled by the center, and the goal is to minimize the time with the ball in the quarterback's hands. What this requires, though, is sharper footwork and a strong ability to read the defense and anticipate the breaks in receivers' routes.
This will be an adjustment for Herbert, especially considering some of the hero ball he was asked to play in Greg Roman's offense. We've already seen a different approach taken with Herbert this offseason, as he spent certain days during OTAs working solely on his footwork.
Lance spent a whole season getting acclimated to McDaniel's scheme, and that has to be a valuable resource for Herbert. The same goes for players like Alec Ingold and Cole Strange, who spent time under McDaniel with the Miami Dolphins.
While Lance's presence as backup quarterback carries a certain degree of risk, therefore, there are at least some benefits to having him on the roster this season.
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