In today’s NFL, the quarterback carousel spins faster than ever, and sometimes, it takes a few stops before a former first-round pick finally finds the right fit. Just ask Sam Darnold.
Once written off after stints with the Jets and Panthers, Darnold found new life as a backup in San Francisco, then took the reins in Minnesota, and ultimately led Seattle to a Super Bowl title. That’s not just a comeback - that’s a full-blown redemption arc.
Darnold’s resurgence is part of a growing trend. Baker Mayfield and Daniel Jones have also managed to steady their careers after rocky starts.
These aren’t isolated cases - they’re proof that the right system, coaching, and situation can breathe new life into a quarterback’s career. And now, with Aaron Rodgers’ future in Pittsburgh up in the air, the Steelers are staring down a familiar crossroads.
If Rodgers doesn’t return, Pittsburgh has a decision to make. Do they hand the keys to Will Howard, or do they take a swing at another former first-rounder in hopes of striking gold? One name that might be worth a closer look: Trey Lance.
Lance entered the league with sky-high expectations. The 49ers took him third overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, betting big on his rare blend of size, athleticism, and arm talent. Coming out of North Dakota State, he was raw but tantalizing - the kind of quarterback you build around if you’re patient enough.
Unfortunately, patience ran thin in San Francisco. Lance spent most of his rookie year behind Jimmy Garoppolo, then got the starting nod in Year 2 - only to suffer a season-ending ankle injury in Week 2.
That opened the door for Brock Purdy, who seized the moment and never looked back. With Purdy entrenched as the starter, the 49ers moved on from Lance, sending him to Dallas in 2024.
In Dallas, Lance found himself buried on the depth chart, serving as the third-string quarterback behind Dak Prescott. Even though he didn’t see the field, he remained an intriguing developmental prospect - a player with all the tools but still waiting for the right opportunity.
Last season, Lance backed up Justin Herbert in Los Angeles, gaining valuable experience in a new system. Now, he hits free agency once again, and the question is whether Pittsburgh might be the team to give him a real shot.
There’s a connection worth noting: Mike McCarthy, now in Pittsburgh, was the Cowboys’ head coach when they traded for Lance. He’s seen the potential up close. And if the Steelers are looking for a low-risk, high-upside option at quarterback, Lance checks a lot of boxes.
This wouldn’t be about throwing him into the fire right away. It’s about investing in a player who still has untapped potential - a former top-three pick who’s only 25 and has been through enough ups and downs to come out the other side hungry and humbled.
The Steelers have a proud tradition of tough, resilient football. Taking a chance on Trey Lance wouldn’t be a flashy move, but it could be a smart one. If they believe in their coaching staff and infrastructure, they might be the team to finally unlock the version of Lance that scouts once raved about.
In a league where redemption stories are becoming more common - and more successful - Pittsburgh has a chance to write the next one.