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On April 19, 2023, it was reported that the San Francisco 49ers had been fielding calls from multiple teams inquiring about trading for Trey Lance. The former first round pick could be on the move, and if so, there are three teams that make sense that could be calling the 49ers to complete the trade.
Houston Texans
The Texans need a quarterback, and they have the draft capital to get this deal done as well, with two first round picks. DeMeco Ryans, the new head coach of the Texans, came from the 49ers and has that connection with Lance already. Not only that, but some of the offensive staff he assembled he brought with him from San Francisco. Due to Lance not seeing much playing time yet, and when he has only having a 54.9% completion percentage for 797 yards and five touchdowns, the Texans would most likely be able to keep their second overall pick. This trade would then allow them with their second overall pick to get a can’t miss defensive player in Will Anderson, while solidifying their quarterback of the future with upside in Lance.
Minnesota Vikings
With Brock Purdy still recovering from his torn UCL, this trade would be a player trade that benefits both sides. Cousins is on the final year of his contract with the Vikings, so trading for him would provide the 49ers with someone reliable to start this season and give Brock Purdy time to recover. On the other side, the Vikings with their new second-year regime would be able to finally have “their guy” at quarterback in Lance to start to build around for the future of the team. With the rushing upside Lance has as well with his 235 yards and a touchdown over 39 attempts, it would bring a new element to this Vikings offense.
Tennessee Titans
There have been rumors going around that the Titans were interested in trading up, potentially if Anthony Richardson fell to a reasonable place. To avoid that happening, the Titans could instead get a trade done to acquire Lance. Ryan Tannehill, like Cousins, could be potentially involved in this as it would give San Francisco another capable quarterback to start until Purdy is healthy to play again, while also adding picks. For the Titans, they add to their quarterback room with a dual-threat quarterback that can truly help elevate the run-first approach they have. Between both Lance and Derrick Henry, opposing defenses would have trouble knowing who is going to be the one taking the ball in RPO scenarios. In a division like the AFC South as well, getting a quarterback with the upside of Lance to elevate the offense would help match the Jacksonville Jaguars with Trevor Lawrence, and the Texans and Indianapolis Colts with whoever they potentially draft.
