The Los Angeles Chargers commenced their 2025 NFL Preseason with an emphatic 34-7 triumph over the Detroit Lions, a game that prominently featured a revitalized performance from quarterback Trey Lance. This initial outing served as a significant barometer for the Chargers Football squad, showcasing their early offensive capabilities and highlighting a key player’s potential resurgence.

Lance’s immediate impact was undeniable, orchestrating three touchdowns within the Chargers’ first five offensive series. His precision passing game was on full display, notably connecting with tight end Will Dissly for a five-yard score on a bootleg and later finding a wide receiver for a substantial 28-yard gain down the sidelines. These early plays underscored Lance’s command of the offense and his ability to execute under pressure.

The journey of Trey Lance, a former No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has been fraught with challenges including injuries and inconsistent play, leading to his current situation with the Los Angeles Chargers on a one-year, $2 million contract. This preseason marked a crucial juncture for the young quarterback, aiming to rebuild his NFL Quarterbacks career and prove his capabilities within a new system.

During the Thursday night contest in Canton, Ohio, Lance exhibited arguably the best performance on the field. He completed 13 of 20 passes for 120 yards, averaging six yards per attempt, and threw two crucial touchdowns without any interceptions. His scoring throws to Will Dissly and KeAndre Lambert-Smith were precise, demonstrating an improved decision-making process and arm talent.

While acknowledging the inherent limitations of early NFL Preseason games—where starters are often rested and game plans are rudimentary—Lance’s individual statistics and overall demeanor offered a promising outlook. This strong start does not guarantee a complete career turnaround, but it certainly provides a much-needed confidence boost as he navigates the complexities of professional football.

Currently third on the Chargers’ depth chart behind Justin Herbert, Lance’s strong preseason showing could potentially elevate him to the No. 2 role over Taylor Heinicke. More importantly, these preseason appearances are a prime opportunity for Lance to audition for other NFL teams. His ability to put strong, consistent play on tape could attract quarterback-needy franchises looking to make a trade.

This scenario presents a potential win-win for both the Los Angeles Chargers and Trey Lance. For the Chargers, a strong performance from Lance could turn a bargain free-agent signing into a valuable future trade asset. For Lance, it offers a path to securing a more prominent role elsewhere in the league, showcasing that his physical tools, combined with newfound experience and confidence, can indeed lead to the next step in his development among NFL Quarterbacks.