49ers' Former No. 3 Draft Pick Trey Lance Draws Interest from CFL Team

The San Francisco 49ers once had sky-high hopes for Trey Lance, trading a massive haul of picks to the Miami Dolphins in 2021 just to select the quarterback third overall in the NFL Draft. Back then, Lance looked like a future star, dazzling at North Dakota State with 2,786 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and over 1,100 rushing yards in his only full season with the Bison.

But the NFL can be a humbling place. The dream of Lance becoming the 49ers' "franchise quarterback" never materialized. Injuries and competition left him struggling to find a foothold, and after a short stint with the Dallas Cowboys, he hit free agency.

Now, the spotlight shifts north. The Canadian Football League’s Saskatchewan Roughriders have reportedly added Lance to their negotiation list. If the 24-year-old chooses to head to the CFL, the Roughriders will hold his exclusive rights. It's not exactly where anyone expected Lance to end up, but it's a chance for him to rewrite his story.

Lance's NFL journey has been rocky. Backing up Jimmy Garoppolo in his rookie year, he managed just two starts. The 49ers handed him the reins in 2022, but a Week 2 injury derailed his season. By the time he recovered, rookie sensation Brock Purdy had taken over as the starter. Even a move to the Cowboys couldn’t reignite his career, as he found himself stuck behind Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush on the depth chart. Dallas eventually released him this offseason.

Yet, all hope isn't lost. Lance is back on the field, training hard to keep his NFL dream alive. And let's not forget that the CFL has been a springboard for some legendary quarterbacks. Players like Jeff Garcia, Doug Flutie, and even Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Moon made their mark in the CFL before achieving success elsewhere. Interestingly, Lance’s father, Carlton, also played in the CFL with the Roughriders, adding a full-circle twist to the story.

What’s next for Lance? At just 24, he still has time on his side. Whether he chooses the CFL as a stepping stone or finds another path, his career is far from over.