Trey Lance’s tumultuous NFL journey took another hit this offseason as the Dallas Cowboys confirmed that the former first-round draft pick will start the season as the team’s No. 3 quarterback.
On Monday, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy spoke to the media, revealing that Cooper Rush would take the backup role behind starter Dak Prescott. Although McCarthy, 60, acknowledged the progress Lance made during the preseason, he noted that the young quarterback still needs to develop in several areas.
“Cooper’s taken the No. 2 reps this week, but I felt very encouraged and really excited with the growth that Trey took through the whole process,” McCarthy stated. “I feel like I answer the question the same way every time. We just got to continue to develop him.
“You can see the things that he’s really focused on. The concept, footwork and things like that. It got better each week throughout the preseason,” McCarthy continued. “I thought he did a great job extending plays with his legs. Made some plays in the quarterback run phase of it. Just trying to continue that drop back passing. So, he’s making strides, and I don’t know if there is anyone on our team that benefited more from the preseason than Trey Lance.”
The Cowboys acquired Lance in August 2023, sending a 2024 fourth-round pick to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for the 24-year-old quarterback. Though Lance did not make any regular-season appearances last year, the preseason gave him ample opportunities to prove his potential.
Throughout three preseason games, Lance completed 73 of 113 pass attempts, boasting a 65% completion rate for 662 yards, two touchdowns, and five interceptions. Despite being handed the reins for the entirety of the Cowboys’ preseason finale against the Los Angeles Chargers, Lance faced significant struggles, turning the ball over five times.
However, Lance also showcased glimpses of his potential against the Chargers, particularly with his rushing ability. He led the team with 90 rushing yards on 11 carries and electrified fans with a 46-yard touchdown run after faking a handoff late in the third quarter.
Earlier this year, in May, the Cowboys opted not to pick up Lance’s fifth-year option for 2025, which would have carried a fully guaranteed cap hit of $22.4 million. As a result, Lance is set to earn $5.31 million in base salary this season—the final year of his $34.1 million rookie contract signed with the 49ers.
The road ahead for Lance remains uncertain as he continues to struggle to find stability in the NFL despite entering the league with high expectations. While his recent performances have done little to boost his trade value, the Cowboys might consider moving him later this season if a team in need of a quarterback comes calling.
