Barring a contract extension, it’s no secret the Dallas Cowboys quarterback room will all become free agents at the end of the 2024 season. Franchise signal-caller Dak Prescott, backup Cooper Rush, and former first-round pick Trey Lance will all enter this upcoming fall on their final year of team control, with Prescott looking to return Dallas to the NFC Championship for the first time since 1995. Prescott has posted monster numbers in his career with the Cowboys, including an MVP-worthy season in 2023, tossing a league-best 36 touchdowns in 17 games. However, before the start of last season, the NFC East club moved to acquire Trey Lance for a fourth-round pick.
Lance did not take a snap for Dallas last season, with Cooper Rush playing the backup role behind Prescott. Lance, the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, has tossed only 102 passes in his three-year pro career. However, the Cowboys and executive vice president Stephen Jones remain steadfast in their belief in Lance as a capable signal-caller at the pro level, a testament to their long-term strategic planning.
Dallas Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones: Happy with the Progress of Trey Lance
October 8, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott: Trey Lance (15) watches warm-ups before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones, the son of team owner Jerry Jones, joined 105.3 The FAN on Friday to discuss the club’s outlook heading into the 2024 campaign. When pressed about former top pick turned backup quarterback Trey Lance, Jones talked highly about the signal-caller progression this offseason.
“He’s done nothing but excite us even more as he’s worked here all of last season and in the offseason regarding his work ethic and skill level. We’re very pleased.”
Lance started for the San Francisco 49ers in 2022, playing in two games before suffering a season-ending ankle injury. Eventually, the North Dakota State product took a back seat to fellow gunslinger Brock Purdy after the latter tossed 14 touchdowns against four picks. Jones and the Cowboys made a move to trade for Lance before the start of the 2023 season. The Cowboys’ EVP still believes Lance has all the traits to play out as a top-five NFL draft pick despite his injury history.
Jones continued, “He exhibits everything you would think a top 5 or top 10 pick would exhibit. … Trey exhibits a similar type of work ethic (to Dak Prescott). Obviously, Trey is a really good athlete, and his arm is the most important thing. He’s got a very live, very strong arm. He continues to improve with his footwork and his accuracy.”
Trey Lance’s workouts have gone viral on social media this week. However, Lance could still enter next season as the third-string quarterback. This upcoming preseason offers a unique opportunity for Lance to help bolster his value.
Trey Lance: Entering Fourth NFL Season
August 19, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (5) signals during the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports (Dallas Cowboys quarterback dak prescott)
Trey Lance’s fourth NFL season will be in 2024. Lance played collegially at North Dakota State University, where he played during the 2019 season. He threw for 2,786 yards and 28 touchdowns against no picks while rushing for 1,100 yards and 14 scores. The Minnesota native played just one game in the 2020 season, impacted by COVID-19, before opting out to prepare for the NFL draft.
Lance was the third overall selection in the 2021 NFL draft. He played for the San Francisco 49ers for two seasons. As a rookie, Lance operated as a backup and spot starter, tossing five touchdowns against two picks while missing time with an ankle injury. The now-23-year-old also suffered a season-ending injury early in the 2023 season.
