The Dallas Cowboys appear ready to move on from quarterback Trey Lance, who they acquired after his disappointing tenure with the San Francisco 49ers. According to Cowboys COO and co-owner Stephen Jones, Lance is expected to seek opportunities elsewhere in March, and the team will likely pursue a new developmental quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite initial hopes for Lance’s potential, Dallas seems to have determined that he is not the right fit for their long-term plans.
Trey Lance’s Limited Role Signals Dallas’ Shift Towards Drafting a New Quarterback
While some may attribute Lance’s departure to the presence of established starter Dak Prescott, it is clear that Dallas never truly considered him a viable option. Even when Prescott suffered a hamstring injury during the 2024 season, the Cowboys relied on Cooper Rush instead of giving Lance a significant role.
He only saw playing time in Week 18, a clear sign that the team did not view him as a serious backup candidate. Despite a relatively weak quarterback class in the upcoming draft, the Cowboys prefer to develop a new prospect rather than retain Lance.
Trey Lance (NFL)Jones emphasized the team’s desire to draft a young quarterback, citing the challenge of acquiring talent at the position. The Cowboys had traded a fourth-round pick for Lance, but even quarterbacks projected in later rounds often get selected earlier than expected. With Prescott locked in as the long-term starter, Dallas wants to bring in a young talent to groom for the future, rather than continue with Lance, who has failed to impress.
Trey Lance’s Exit Highlights Dallas’ Uncertain Backup Quarterback Situation for 2025 Season
Dallas’ quarterback situation remains uncertain beyond Prescott, as Rush is also set to hit free agency. Jones acknowledged the team’s appreciation for Rush but admitted that financial constraints might prevent them from retaining him. While Rush has performed well in his opportunities, the Cowboys must balance their budget, particularly given Prescott’s hefty contract. If Rush becomes too expensive, Dallas may need to explore other affordable backup options.
The Cowboys have learned the value of a strong backup quarterback during Prescott’s tenure, as injuries have forced him to miss significant time in multiple seasons. Entering the 2025 season without an experienced backup would be a risky move, and Dallas plans to be more active in free agency to address the position. However, it is evident that Lance is not in their plans, marking the end of his short-lived tenure with the team.
