Four Ideal Trade Destinations for San Francisco 49ers’ Trey Lance Amid Latest Trade

Trade rumors surrounding Trey Lance, the San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback, have been gaining momentum following reports of teams expressing interest. With Brock Purdy’s emergence last season and the 49ers’ limited draft capital due to previous trades, San Francisco may consider recouping picks by trading Lance. If this scenario unfolds, here are four potential trade destinations for Trey Lance that make sense from a strategic standpoint.

Four Ideal Trade Destinations for San Francisco 49ers’ 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

With the Tom Brady era officially over in Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers are in need of a quarterback for the future. However, with the No. 19 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, it is unlikely that they will have the opportunity to select one of the top four quarterbacks in this year’s class. Acquiring Lance, who was a top-three pick in the 2021 draft, would be a sensible move for the Buccaneers to start a softer rebuild rather than relying on unproven quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask.

Tennessee Titans

The Titans are a team in transition, aiming to rebuild without hitting rock bottom. This makes them a logical trade destination for Trey Lance. With Ryan Tannehill’s contract expiring after one more season and last year’s fourth-round pick, Malik Willis, showing limited readiness for a starting role, the Titans could benefit from having Lance as a backup for another season or potentially starting the 2023 season with a veteran quarterback. Lance’s prior starting experience in the NFL and potential for growth make him an appealing option for the Titans.

Minnesota Vikings

While the Titans offer a scenario where Lance could serve as a backup for another season, the Vikings could potentially keep him on the bench for the entire 2023 season. With Kirk Cousins as the starting quarterback for 2023, but approaching 35 years old and in the final year of his contract, the Vikings need to start planning for their future at quarterback. Lance’s potential and ability to develop behind Cousins for a year could make him a valuable acquisition for the Vikings, especially considering the talent they have in wide receiver Justin Jefferson.

Houston Texans

If the Trey Lance trade rumors are accurate, the Houston Texans could be an ideal fit for the young 49ers quarterback. With former 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans as their new coach, the Texans have a connection with Lance from his early years in the league. The Texans are in desperate need of a franchise quarterback, and Lance’s familiarity with Ryans and his staff could give him an advantage over other rookie quarterbacks in the draft. Acquiring Lance would allow the Texans to use their No. 2 pick to address other areas of their team, such as building their defense with top overall players like Will Anderson Jr. or Jalen Carter.

If the San Francisco 49ers decide to explore trade options for Trey Lance, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, Minnesota Vikings, and Houston Texans could be four potential trade destinations that make sense strategically for Lance’s future development as an NFL quarterback.