In a surprising offseason move, the Dallas Cowboys acquired quarterback Trey Lance, signaling a new chapter for the young QB whose initial NFL journey with the San Francisco 49ers didn’t go as planned. Selected with the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, expectations were sky-high for Lance, who was anticipated to be a franchise cornerstone for the Niners.
Instead, his tenure in San Francisco was marked by limited playing time and injuries, culminating in a move to Dallas where he now provides depth behind Dak Prescott.
Trey Lance’s Promising Start Marred by Injury
Trey Lance’s NFL career began under the bright lights of high expectations at North Dakota State, a program known for producing NFL-ready talent. Drafted into a San Francisco team keen on nurturing him into a leading quarterback, Lance found himself behind established starter Jimmy Garoppolo.
His rookie year saw him make six appearances, including a couple of starts, where he threw for 603 yards and five touchdowns against two interceptions. However, his potential starter campaign was cut short by a fractured ankle in Week 2 of his second season, derailing his trajectory with the 49ers.
No one had this on the Bingo card when the 49ers moved up to draft Trey Lance a few short years ago. What a wild world the NFL is. pic.twitter.com/WLR1bAkwbY
— Dontay Atkinson (@DonAtkinsonNFL) May 8, 2024
The Move to Dallas Cowboys, Opportunity or Continued Backup Role?
The transition to the Dallas Cowboys came after it was clear that Lance’s future with the 49ers was bleak. His arrival in Dallas raises questions about his role and future contributions. Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated recently noted that while Lance could serve as a competent backup for Prescott, he is unlikely to be the Cowboys’ long-term solution should Prescott leave.
The comparison Breer draws between Lance and veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor is particularly telling. Taylor, known for his solid performances as a backup and occasional starter, represents the kind of career trajectory Lance might expect—a reliable QB2 who can step in without causing a significant drop in team performance.
The Tyrod Taylor Parallel
This comparison to Tyrod Taylor, who made a Pro Bowl appearance and was the starting quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, suggests that while Lance might not fulfill the superstar potential once envisioned, there’s a valuable niche he could carve out. Taylor’s career has been characterized by professionalism and competency, qualities that Lance will hope to emulate in Dallas.
The possibility of Lance evolving into a quarterback akin to Taylor—a player capable of holding the fort in critical situations—would be a significant win for the Cowboys, especially considering the volatile nature of NFL careers.
Trey Lance, A New Chapter
As Trey Lance turns 24, the next phase of his career in Dallas offers a chance to redefine himself and silence the doubters. Though he may never live up to the hype of a third-overall draft pick, his story is far from over. The NFL is replete with tales of players who found their stride well into their careers, and Lance has time on his side.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how Lance adapts to his new environment and what he can bring to the Cowboys. Whether he steps out from Prescott’s shadow or carves his own niche, his journey will be one of the intriguing storylines of the NFL.
For the latest insights and updates on Trey Lance and the Dallas Cowboys, fans and followers are keenly watching, ready to see how this new chapter unfolds in the high-stakes world of the NFL.
