While the main objective of this offseason for the Cowboys seems to be cutting spending to afford the star trio of Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons, a side effect might be for the Cowboys' management to convince the team and themselves that they would be okay without Prescott if they let him leave in free agency next year. We still have Trey Lance.
The Cowboys acquired Lance from the 49ers last offseason for a fourth-round pick when it became clear that Lance would not secure the starting or backup roles in San Francisco. However, for the Cowboys, Lance is a former No. 3 pick who is only 23 years old and provides them with some leverage in contract negotiations with Prescott, who is in the final year of his deal and set to make $55 million.
Discussions with Prescott have not really started yet. The Cowboys are expected to negotiate tough.
Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones was questioned about Lance on the K&C Masterpiece show on 150.3 in Dallas this week and voiced strong support for him.
“He displays all the qualities you would expect from a Top 5 or Top 10 pick, which is why we gave up a significant draft pick to get him,” Jones said.
Trey Lance Demonstrates ‘Work Ethic’
At least, Lance has demonstrated those characteristics in practice. The rest of us cannot confirm, as he has not played in an NFL game since September 2022, when he broke his ankle, an injury that sidelined him for the year.
Certainly, the main selling point for the Cowboys regarding Lance is the talent he displayed prior to the NFL draft in 2021. Lance has only had an eight-game career, which is too small of a sample size to judge. Lance has 797 career passing yards, and rushed for 235 yards on 54 carries (4.4 avg.) in eight career games.
But Jones stated that he has observed Lance’s work ethic in action.
“In a quarterback, work ethic is essential for success in this league. It’s a very demanding position,” he said.
“Trey exhibits a similar work ethic (as Dak Prescott). Clearly, Trey is a very good athlete, able to move around and has athletic ability. Finally, the most important thing is his arm. He has a very lively and strong arm. He continues to improve his footwork and accuracy, which is expected from a young player entering the league.”
Cowboys’ Stephen Jones: Team Is ‘Excited’ About Options
The question about Lance came up during a discussion about next week’s draft, where the Cowboys will have the No. 24 pick in the first round, as well as No. 56 in the second round, and No. 87 in the third round. The Cowboys also have a fifth-rounder, a sixth-rounder, and two sevenths.
Jones was asked whether the team would choose a quarterback if they were the best available player, despite having Prescott, Cooper Rush, and Lance on the team.
“It’s difficult to predict right now what might be available. But we will certainly consider all the possibilities as we approach next week. We have been working hard to finalize our board and make all the necessary preparations. Next week will be crucial for us in terms of considering various scenarios.
“We are very happy with our quarterbacks Dak and our addition of Trey last year. Trey has impressed us even more with his hard work and skill level throughout last season and the offseason. We are really satisfied with him.”
