There’s good reason Minnesotans’ ears perk up when Trey Lance’s name enters the trade rumor mill. Not only is he a Minnesota native but he plays quarterback and the Vikings don’t have a legitimate option to play the position signed beyond 2023, which is Kirk Cousins’s final year under contract.
But the latest news of the 49ers allegedly putting Lance on the trade block with Brock Purdy and Sam Darnold ahead of him on the depth chart carries more weight as ESPN’s Dianna Russini says the Vikings and 49ers had “serious” talks about Lance earlier this year.
“While the Trey Lance market may be quiet for now, this past spring the 49ers and Vikings had serious conversations about a trade for Lance, but talks fell apart, according to league sources,” Russini tweeted Wednesday.
While the Trey Lance market may be quiet for now, this past spring the 49ers and Vikings had serious conversations about a trade for Lance, but talks fell apart, according to league sources.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) August 23, 2023
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said the Vikings inquiring about Lance “makes sense,” though he noted that making trades are “harder” after the NFL Draft.
As the #49ers weigh options for Trey Lance, calling his hometown team, the #Vikings (who were a rumored destination before the Draft) makes sense. Nothing is impossible, but MIN has a backup in Nick Mullens and drafted rookie QB in Jaren Hall. Post-draft, these deals are harder.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 23, 2023
The Vikings used a fifth-round pick on quarterback Jaren Hall this year. He’s third on the depth chart behind Nick Mullens and Cousins, so a trade for Lance would presumably give Lance an opportunity to take Hall’s role as a developmental quarterback.
How much would it cost to acquire Lance? Judd Zulgad of SKOR North, who previously covered the Vikings beat for the Star Tribune, believes a fifth-round pick might be enough to get a deal done.
Considering the likely price tag on Trey Lance, it wouldn't be surprising if Kevin O'Connell pushes for the best of both worlds. Cousins as his starter and Lance as the backup. Yes, Lance has been disappointing but I'm guessing KOC would love the challenge of developing Lance.
— Judd Zulgad (@jzulgad) August 23, 2023
