26 August 2023 , 16:19
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The Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills made very late attempts to trade for Trey Lance from the San Francisco 49ers, multiple reports have claimed.
Both teams were looking to bring in the former third overall draft pick, likely to be the back-up quarterback should their starters go down injured - while the Detroit Lions also reportedly showed interest.
Lance would have been in a tough spot with both the Ravens and Bills, with both having legitimate superstars at quarterback. Lamar Jackson became the league's highest-paid player with the Ravens this off-season, while Josh Allen is also on a huge long-term deal to remain with the Bills.
The Niners moved on from Lance after naming Sam Darnold as their back-up behind starter Brock Purdy, and eventually agreed a deal for him to join the Dallas Cowboys.
The Cowboys made the biggest offer for Lance, after it had become apparent that Lance would be leaving, reportedly asking for a trade as he was named the third-choice quarterback.
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The Niners pulled the plug on Lance despite spending a huge amount of draft assets in three first-round picks to acquire him just two years ago.
Lance has made just two starts in the NFL, struggling in both while failing to impress in training camp with the Niners.
Lance will now look to rebuild his career with DallasBut he has showed more than enough to be considered an elite talent in college, throwing 28 touchdowns and zero interceptions on his 2019 season with the North Dakota State Bisons. Lance also rushed for over 1000 yards that season.
Clearly a developmental player at this point after struggling in all facets, Lance is likely to be the back-up to Dak Prescott.
And while it's not a bad landing spot, the Lions could have been the perfect place for him to be - competing with Jared Goff.
While Goff has improved drastically in recent years, he had long been seen as a draft bust after the Rams used a first-overall selection on him. Goff did take the Rams to a Super Bowl, but had always shown his limitations with the team, as they eventually moved on from him trading for Matt Stafford and sending Goff the other to Detroit.
With the team, he has become a league-average player - but he does not bring the qualities that Lance possesses with a huge arm and incredible athletic tools.
For now, Lance will hope to beat out Cooper Rush for the back-up job with the Cowboys.