Trey Lance’s Next Move: How the CFL could jumpstart his career

Trey Lance’s NFL career hasn’t gone the way anyone expected. Taken third overall in the 2021 NFL Draft by the 49ers, he was supposed to be their future at quarterback. Instead, injuries and unexpected competition—most notably from Brock Purdy—kept him sidelined. After a short stint as Dak Prescott’s backup in Dallas, Lance is now a free agent with an uncertain NFL future. But his next move may not involve the league at all. Reports indicate he has been added to the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ negotiation list, signaling a potential jump to the CFL.

At just 24, Trey Lance still has time to revive his career. The CFL could give him something he hasn’t had in four years—a legitimate opportunity to start and prove himself. Unlike the NFL, where young quarterbacks can get stuck on the bench for years, the CFL offers immediate playing time. If Lance takes this route, it wouldn’t be an act of desperation. It would be a strategic decision to finally showcase his talent on a real stage.

Lance’s potential move to Saskatchewan isn’t just about family ties—though they do add an interesting wrinkle. His father, Carlton Lance, played for the Roughriders before continuing his career in the World League. That connection makes this feel like a full-circle moment. But more importantly, the CFL would give Trey something he desperately needs: reps.
In four NFL seasons, Lance has thrown just 143 passes. Compare that to his days at North Dakota State, where he went 16-0 in 2019, accounting for 42 touchdowns and zero interceptions. There’s still untapped potential there, but without real game action, it’s impossible to know what he can be at the pro level.
TSN’s Dave Naylor noted that CFL teams “never put players on the [negotiation] list just to make noise.” That means there’s legitimate interest. If Lance embraces this chance, he could follow the path of past quarterbacks who used the CFL as a launchpad.
Some may see this as a fall from grace. But for Lance, this could be the first real opportunity to define his own career. Instead of waiting for an NFL chance that may never come, he’d be taking control of his future. If he thrives, the door back to the NFL won’t just stay open—it might swing wide.