Chargers’ Key Free Agent Getting Zero Attention So far

The Chargers won't complain if this free agent ends up back with the team.

Trey Lance | Jon Endow-Imagn Images

Right now, it feels like the Los Angeles Chargers and fans are the only folks really keeping tabs on one of the franchise’s most important free agents: 

Quarterback Trey Lance, of course. 

Don’t laugh: Lance is one of those free agents quietly more important than outsiders realize. He was the long-sought-after depth chart solution behind Justin Herbert for Jim Harbaugh and Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz. 

Still just 25 years old and a former No. 3 overall pick, it was worth wondering if Lance could develop a pretty hot market in free agency. 

So far…so good for the Chargers, though. 

RELATED: 3 Chargers Veterans Who Won't Be on the Roster Next Season

NFL free agency and trade QB market analysis 

One would think Lance would chart on a top 10 list looking at the best quarterback options for needing teams this offseason. 

Apparently not. 

Over at Bleacher Report, Gary Davenport outlined the best quarterbacks available this offseason. 

Some of the names: 

• Russell Wilson
• Derek Carr
• Malik Willis
• Tua Tagovailoa
• Kyler Murray

It’s a quality list. Some of the names are no-brainers. Teams that want to win right now should be all over the likes of Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins. Taking a gamble on Anthony Richardson isn’t that unreasonable. Pulling Derek Carr out of retirement…debateable. 

Either way, Chargers fans aren’t going to complain about Lance being overlooked.

RELATED: Chargers Should Take a Flier on Former Top Prospect Ruined by Cowboys

Chargers’ chances of re-signing Trey Lance in free agency

Trey Lance | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Pretty good, right?

If the NFL wants to focus on the likes of Malik Willis and the incoming draft class, Lance might not have many options. 

This past offseason, Lance checked in at a one-year deal worth $2 million. The Chargers probably wouldn’t blink at going well north of that to make sure he stays in town. 

Keep in mind that this is a Harbaugh-Hortiz regime that did an emergency trade for Taylor Heinicke right before the 2024 season, then went and found Lance. 

A big point of roster churn during the coaching staff change and since, Lance is a priority for the quarterback depth chart, where continuity matters and backups with his abilities don’t just become available often.

— Enjoy free coverage of the Chargers from Los Angeles Chargers on SI —

Sign Up For the Chargers Daily Digest - OnSI’s Free Los Angeles Chargers Newsletter

More Los Angeles Chargers News:

Jim Harbaugh’s Quiet Coaching Hire Brings up Names Like Mike Macdonald

2 Underrated Chargers Free Agents Are More Important Than Most Realize

Former NFL GM Warns AFC West About Threat of Chargers in 2026

Chargers Go Surprise Route For Justin Herbert in NFL Mock Draft

Chargers Hire Former NFL Player as New Coach to Unleash Part of the Defense