Just shy of two years after the San Francisco 49ers picked him No. 3 overall in the NFL Draft, it appears the Trey Lance era is coming to an end out west, before he could even become a focal point across California sports betting.
Earlier today, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported that San Francisco has been fielding calls about a potential trade for Lance – making it clear that Brock Purdy, who went 5-0 down the regular season stretch last year before getting hurt in the NFC Championship game, will likely be the club’s long-term starter.
Utilizing the trade rumor mill, BetCalifornia.com developed hypothetical odds of where Lance will land if the 49ers decide to officially move him in the coming days.
Keep tabs on this site for NFL updates leading up to the Draft, as well as the 49ers playoff chances next season.
Trey Lance Next Team Odds
49ers Still the Favorite
As much as we like to have fun with these odds, let's start by cautioning that the 49ers are still the favorite to have Lance come the start of the regular season. Why? Well, following Purdy's injury late in the playoffs, it's unclear if he will be ready to go in Week 1. Newly signed free agent Sam Darnold does have some talent and brings some experience to a young quarterback room, but Darnold, a former No. 3 overall pick himself, has been anything but durable in his career.
Don't be shocked if Lance is still a 49er come August.
However, fielding calls means 49ers GM John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan realize a change of scenery might be best for everyone. So where does Lance make the most sense?
Titans, Falcons Could Make Moves
BetCalifornia likes both the Titans and Falcons to make a move for Lance, with both teams coming in at +500 odds to add the former North Dakota State Bison signal caller.
In Tennessee, Ryan Tannehill revamped his career under coach Mike Vrabel, but that success story might be coming to an end. After three solid seasons alongside running back Derrick Henry, Tannehill endured a rocky and injury-filled 2022 campaign. To make matters worse, rookie Malik Willis didn't look ready to take the reins, either. A fresh start for Lance alongside Henry and a hard-driving coach in Vrabel could make sense, and several teams would still be interested in acquiring Tannehill as well.
Down in Atlanta, third-year coach Arthur Smith has been deliberate about anointing his quarterback of the future after moving on from cornerstone Matt Ryan. Second-year man Desmond Ridder is highly regarded in the Falcons building and did show some flashes last season. But Ridder simply doesn't have the upside of a player like Lance, who despite limited playing time in both college and his early pro career intrigues offensive minds in a way Ridder does not.
Should the Falcons fail to add the sure-to-be expensive Lamar Jackson, a trade for Lance would be in play.
Other Teams That May Call
After the Titans and Falcons, we like the Bucs and Colts (both +750), the Ravens (+1000) and Vikings (+1200) as the next crop of teams who could sign up for the Trey Lance experiment.
The Bucs added Baker Mayfield to compete with Kyle Trask this summer, but both are far from sure things, especially with Tom Brady's shoes to fill.
The Colts remain a mystery with their QB plan this year, though they could reach for Anthony Richardson or Will Levis at the No. 4 overall pick later this month. Lamar Jackson is still out there, too.
Speaking of Lamar, the Ravens by all accounts would prefer to work out a deal with him. But things are playing out in public, to say the least, and perhaps their front office is both done with the drama and excited about Lance pairing with Odell Beckham Jr.
Finally, the Vikings had a strong showing with first-year coach Kevin O'Connell and Kirk Cousins last season, but it ended with early playoff disappointment. Adding Lance could light a fire under Cousins entering this season, creating a sink or swim scenario for the veteran signal-caller in Minnesota.
With the NFL Draft right around the corner, BetCalifornia.com — your spot for California sportsbook promos when betting does become legal — will have you covered on all things 49ers.
