The Minnesota Vikings are looking to adjust their offense to better suit J.J. McCarthy’s abilities in the upcoming seasons, and one potential move involves acquiring a backup quarterback who aligns more closely with McCarthy’s skill set.
Trey Lance, the former No. 3 overall pick, emerges as a fitting candidate for this role. Lance’s future with the Dallas Cowboys has been cast into doubt following reports that the team intends to decline his fifth-year option, leaving him in the final year of his rookie contract. Originally acquired by the San Francisco 49ers in 2021 in exchange for three first-round picks, Lance’s performance has not justified the hefty $22.4 million option, prompting speculation that the Cowboys may seek to trade him before the October deadline to recoup draft picks.
A mobile quarterback, Lance shares similarities with McCarthy and possesses untapped potential that intrigued 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan, whose offensive system mirrors that of Kevin O’Connell’s in Minnesota.
Despite facing setbacks in San Francisco due to injuries and losing his starting position to Brock Purdy, Lance has continued to develop under the guidance of some of the league’s top quarterback-friendly systems.
Given that the Cowboys acquired Lance for the modest cost of a fourth-round pick, a similar trade involving a fifth-round pick or potentially as part of a pick swap could be feasible.
At just 23 years old, Lance remains a promising prospect, younger even than Bo Nix, the 12th overall pick. As a developmental backup behind McCarthy, Lance offers significant upside thanks to his mobility and accuracy displayed during his college career.
With none of the Vikings’ current quarterbacks possessing dual-threat capabilities outside of McCarthy, acquiring a backup quarterback who better complements the McCarthy-centric offensive strategy may be a prudent move.
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