When the Dallas Cowboys acquired Trey Lance from the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a fourth-round pick last August, the move signaled a new chapter for the young quarterback. As the 2021 NFL draft’s No. 3 overall pick, expectations were sky-high for Lance, but his journey has been anything but smooth.
ESPN.com’s Todd Archer highlighted the decision by the Cowboys to decline Lance’s fifth-year option, setting him on a path to potentially become a free agent after the 2024 season. With a projected option cost of $22.41 million, the decision was financially and strategically prudent for Dallas, given Lance’s limited impact so far.
Dallas Cowboys’ Strategy Depth Over Immediate Impact
Despite his rocky start, the Cowboys see potential in Lance as a developmental project. Headlined by starter Dak Prescott and backup Cooper Rush, Dallas’s quarterback depth chart is structured to foster competition and growth.
Archer notes that while Lance is set to earn a modest base salary of $1.1 million this year, the Cowboys have already invested a $4.25 million guaranteed roster bonus in him, indicating their willingness to evaluate his development closely.
The 2023 preseason will be critical for Lance, who arrived in Dallas too late last year to participate. This year, he and Rush are expected to receive significant playing time in August, offering Lance a crucial platform to demonstrate his progress and readiness.
Trey Lance’s Rocky Road and the Shadows of Past Draft Choices
Lance’s tenure with the 49ers was marred by injuries and inconsistencies. After an ankle injury necessitated two surgeries and diminished his 2022 season, he struggled to secure even a backup role, falling behind Sam Darnold and Brandon Allen on the depth chart. This fall from grace has put Lance in the unenviable position of potentially being one of the NFL’s biggest draft busts.
The 2021 NFL draft, affected by the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, has seen varied outcomes for quarterbacks.
While Trevor Lawrence has had his fifth-year option picked up, others like Zach Wilson, Mac Jones, and now Trey Lance have seen their options declined. This trend underscores the volatile nature of NFL draft investments, particularly at the quarterback position.
😱😱😱 why hasn’t anyone talked about Flournoy? #DallasCowboys
— John LaGrace (@jlagrace10) April 27, 2024
Trey Lance’s Preseason of Opportunity
This preseason offers Lance a chance to reset expectations and showcase his skills. His performance could influence not only his future with the Cowboys but also his standing in the league. With Prescott’s contract also up for negotiation, the dynamics within the Cowboys could shift, offering Lance a potential opening.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on how this young quarterback adapts to his new environment and whether he can translate his practice field promise into tangible game-day performances. The Cowboys’ preseason games will be more than just routine outings; they will be pivotal for Lance’s career trajectory.
Whether this turns into a tale of redemption or a cautionary draft story remains to be seen, but for Trey Lance and the Dallas Cowboys, the stakes could not be higher.
