Trey Lance, currently overshadowed on the Dallas Cowboys’ depth chart, is poised for a potential move to the Detroit Lions. As a free agent at the end of the season with limited playtime, Lance represents an enticing acquisition
The Detroit Lions find themselves in a precarious situation regarding their backup quarterback position. Currently, it’s a battle between Hendon Hooker and Nate Sudfield. Hooker, who missed his entire rookie season due to injury, and Sudfield, with only six NFL appearances since being drafted in 2016, leave much to be desired in terms of reliable depth behind starter Jared Goff.
The Lions could hope for Hooker to shine in training camp or pray that Goff stays healthy throughout the season. However, as the San Francisco 49ers demonstrated a couple of years ago, having a solid backup QB can be crucial for maintaining a team’s competitiveness. This situation demands a more dependable insurance plan, and one potential solution lies in the trade market.
Enter Trey Lance: A Viable Option
Trey Lance, currently buried on the Dallas Cowboys depth chart, could be an ideal candidate for the Lions. Lance is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, and given his limited playtime, it shouldn’t take much to bring him to Detroit.
Crafting the Trade Deal
Considering the Lions don’t have a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, they could offer a combination of lesser picks to acquire Lance. A fifth-round pick and the Cowboys’ own seventh-round pick might be enough to get Jerry Jones to consider the deal.
Factors Influencing the Trade
Several factors could influence this potential trade:
1. **Lance’s Contract Status**: As a one-year rental, Lance’s trade value is lower, making him an attractive option for the Lions without breaking the bank.
2. **Limited Experience**: With only four starts in three seasons, Lance doesn’t have a significant resumé, which could work in Detroit’s favor during negotiations.
3. **Dallas’ Future Plans**: The Cowboys are in a slow-moving negotiation process with Dak Prescott, who could hit free agency next spring. If Dallas doesn’t secure Prescott long-term, Lance could be their insurance plan, driving up his trade value.
The Trade’s Benefits
Assuming Dallas isn’t overly attached to Lance, this trade could be mutually beneficial. The Cowboys would receive draft picks comparable to what they initially paid for Lance, and the Lions would get a reliable backup for Goff. Moreover, Lance would move up the depth chart and join a team with a clearer path to potential playing time.
Potential Complications
While this trade seems straightforward, there are potential complications. If the Cowboys view Lance as valuable insurance in case Prescott’s contract situation doesn’t resolve favorably, they might be reluctant to trade him. Additionally, Dallas might overestimate Lance’s future value, which could keep him off the market.
However, given that Lance isn’t even the Cowboys’ QB2—Cooper Rush holds that spot—the likelihood of Dallas clinging to him seems low. The Cowboys letting Prescott walk would be a catastrophic decision, even by their standards, making the trade more plausible.
Conclusion
In summary, a trade for Trey Lance could significantly bolster the Detroit Lions’ quarterback depth, providing essential insurance behind Jared Goff. This move would ensure that the Lions remain competitive, even in the face of potential injuries to their starting QB. As the Lions look to build on their recent successes, securing a reliable backup quarterback could be a pivotal step forward.
