Unexpected Twist: Dallas Cowboys Secure Trey Lance

Unexpected Twist: Dallas Cowboys Secure Trey Lance

In an unexpected twist of events, the Dallas Cowboys have executed a substantial trade by adding Trey Lance to their roster, despite Dak Prescott firmly holding the position of the starting quarterback. This surprising choice has raised questions within the NFL community, leaving many wondering about the team’s underlying motivations.

Jerry Jones’ Explanation Post-Game

After a triumphant conclusion to the preseason, where the Cowboys secured a convincing 31-16 victory against the Las Vegas Raiders, team owner Jerry Jones provided insight into the reasoning behind the acquisition of Trey Lance, who was the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Jones stressed the importance of having a developmental option at the quarterback position.

    
"He provides us with the opportunity to pursue our long-standing aspirations," Jones articulated during the post-game interview. "It would be ideal to have a young, promising, and developing quarterback in the mix alongside Dak."
  

Details of the Trade

The Cowboys executed this trade by dispatching a fourth-round draft pick to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for Trey Lance. Notably, Lance had recently been relegated to the role of the third-string quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, with the backup position going to the seasoned veteran, Sam Darnold. Although Trey Lance possesses a plethora of desirable physical attributes for quarterbacks, including size, athleticism, speed, and arm strength, his NFL journey has been marked by injuries and a lack of on-field experience. His 2022 season was abruptly curtailed due to a season-ending broken ankle in only the second game. Furthermore, Lance’s pass attempts have been limited, with a meager total of 420 passes thrown since the inception of the 2018 season, dating back to his collegiate days at North Dakota State.

    
"We held a favorable evaluation of Trey during the draft," Jones continued. "Our decision to acquire him was swift, almost immediate upon hearing his name."
  

Discussion with Dak Prescott

Curiously, Jerry Jones did not engage in a conversation with Dak Prescott regarding this trade. As of Saturday night, he had not communicated with the Cowboys’ two-time Pro Bowl quarterback concerning the acquisition.

    
"I understand that they are likely operating on a specific timeline," Prescott commented after the game. "They needed to make a move. He [Jerry Jones] believes that Trey's addition strengthens our team. I am ready to welcome him."
  

Trey Lance’s NFL Journey

Trey Lance’s tenure in San Francisco witnessed limited playing time, encompassing only eight games and four starts over two seasons. He completed 54.9% of his passes, accumulating 797 yards, contributing five touchdowns, and enduring three interceptions. Additionally, he showcased his mobility by amassing 235 rushing yards and securing a touchdown. Trey Lance is now entering the third season of his rookie contract, which is fully guaranteed, with a fifth-year option at their disposal.

The Cowboys’ Approach to Quarterback Development

The Cowboys initially drafted Dak Prescott in 2016. Executive Vice President Stephen Jones revealed that the team had shown interest in selecting developmental quarterbacks in recent drafts. However, they refrained from making early investments that exceeded their projected draft positions.

    
"The challenge we faced was that we had assigned third- and fourth-round grades to certain quarterbacks, but they were all off the board by the middle of the second round," Stephen Jones explained. "This opportunity, in terms of value, was too enticing to pass up. We believe Trey Lance has a promising future, and we're placing our trust in our initial assessment of him."