In a surprising turn of events, quarterback Trey Lance has reportedly signed a one-year contract worth up to $6.2 million with the Los Angeles Chargers, as confirmed by ESPN's Adam Schefter on Friday.

With this move, Lance will be joining Taylor Heinicke as the primary backup to Chargers' star quarterback Justin Herbert. Herbert, famous for his durability, had an impressive streak of 62 consecutive starts at the beginning of his career. However, last season saw him grappling with various injuries, including a fractured right index finger that sidelined him after Week 14. Despite managing to play through these physical setbacks, including a high ankle sprain and a thigh bruise, it’s clear that reliable backup support is crucial for the team.

Lance's presence as a backup, alongside Heinicke—who participated in four games last season—provides the Chargers with a solid safety net should Herbert's injury issues resurface. It is worth noting that this signing likely means the end of the line for Easton Stick, the Chargers' former third-string quarterback.

Selected as the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, Lance has had a tumultuous journey in the league, appearing in just a handful of games over the past few seasons. In his brief tenure with the Niners, he started only four games, compiling a record of 2-2 while throwing for 797 yards, with five touchdowns and three interceptions. A severe ankle injury ultimately cost him his starting position, making way for Brock Purdy's rise to fame.

Most recently, Lance was traded to the Dallas Cowboys for a fourth-round pick, but he found himself limited to minimal play, sealing his fate as a non-impact player in 2023. It wasn't until the regular-season finale against the Washington Commanders that Lance had a chance to showcase his skills, completing 20 of 34 passes for 244 yards, while also demonstrating his agility with six carries for 26 rushing yards.

In the previous preseason, Lance had a mixed performance for the Cowboys, completing 73 of 113 passes for 662 yards and two touchdowns, but he faced tough moments with five interceptions in a final preseason matchup against—you guessed it—the Chargers.

At just 24 years old, Lance is younger than several top draft picks from 2024, including Bo Nix and Michael Penix Jr., and remains a figure of intrigue as he looks to gain more experience in the fast-paced NFL environment. Former head coach Mike McCarthy emphasized that all Lance needs is time to develop, especially given he played in only 19 games during his college career at North Dakota State before making the drastic leap to the NFL.

As Lance embarks on this new chapter with the Chargers, fans are left wondering: could this be the comeback story everyone has been waiting for? Only time will tell!