Trey Lance’s Struggles in San Francisco

Trey Lance’s journey into the NFL was filled with hype, as he was selected as the third overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2021, a move that was highly scrutinized given his limited college experience. His development was expected to be key for the 49ers’ future, but injury and inconsistency hindered his progress. He started just two games as a rookie, and then a significant ankle injury sidelined him for most of the 2022 season. In 2023, after Brock Purdy emerged as the clear starter, Lance was relegated to third-string duties.

His time with the 49ers was ultimately short, and by the time the 49ers traded him to the Cowboys in August 2023, it seemed like a last-chance opportunity for him to prove himself in the NFL.

Lance in Dallas: The Expectations

The Cowboys brought Lance in with the hope that he could develop into a reliable backup quarterback behind Dak Prescott. The Cowboys have traditionally had a solid backup quarterback situation, with Cooper Rush filling that role for several seasons. However, after a disappointing performance by Rush in the 2023 season, and with Prescott aging and potentially on the back end of his career, the Cowboys were looking for a younger option to potentially take over.

When Lance was traded to Dallas, the team was optimistic that a change of scenery might unlock the potential that made him a top-three pick. Yet, his role with the Cowboys has been primarily as the third-string quarterback. His presence in the 2024 season was a continued experiment, but even in the preseason games, Lance showed flashes of his athleticism but continued to struggle with consistency, particularly with turnovers.

Stephen Jones’ Comments on the Future

Stephen Jones, Cowboys COO and son of Jerry Jones, made it clear that the organization is not moving forward with Lance as part of their long-term plans. Jones stated that the Cowboys are not expecting to keep Lance for the 2025 season, with the quarterback likely to explore free agency once the season concludes. This is a significant statement, as it signals the team’s intent to move on from a player they traded for less than a year ago.

The Cowboys are also planning to draft a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft. The team wants to add a young, developmental player who could either step in as a future starter or solidify the depth behind Prescott. There have already been reports that the Cowboys are eyeing quarterbacks like Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss, Quinn Ewers from the University of Texas, and Kyle McCord from Syracuse as potential prospects for the upcoming draft. The decision to bring in another quarterback is likely based on the belief that neither Lance nor Rush will be able to provide the kind of long-term stability the Cowboys seek at the position.

Why Move on from Trey Lance?

While it’s disappointing that Lance’s tenure in Dallas will likely be short, it’s understandable from the Cowboys’ perspective. Dallas needs consistency at the quarterback position, especially as Prescott enters the latter stages of his career. Lance has not shown enough during his time with the Cowboys to warrant a long-term commitment, and the team is focused on finding someone who can either be developed behind Prescott or be a more capable backup if needed.

The Cowboys have a lot invested in Prescott as their starter, but with Prescott’s contract status and age (he’ll be 32 in 2025), they need to start thinking about the future of the position. Lance, while talented, hasn’t been able to prove himself as the future of the franchise, and the Cowboys are likely looking at the draft to find a QB who could potentially be a future starter down the line.

Potential QB Draft Targets for the Cowboys

With the Cowboys’ playoff aspirations always high, their ability to draft the right quarterback this year will be pivotal in terms of their long-term success. Some of the quarterbacks they are reportedly keeping an eye on include:

• Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss) – A dual-threat QB with the mobility to make plays outside of the pocket. His experience in the SEC will help him adjust to the NFL level.
• Quinn Ewers (Texas) – A prototypical pocket passer with a strong arm. He’s shown promise in his college career and could be a solid developmental option for the Cowboys.
• Kyle McCord (Syracuse) – A QB with impressive mechanics and intelligence, McCord would be a strong pick for the Cowboys as a potential backup with the upside to develop.

The Cowboys’ draft decision will likely center on whether they want a more established pocket passer or someone with a higher ceiling who could be groomed for future stardom. The key will be finding a player who is not only talented but also someone who can fit into the Cowboys’ system.

Looking Forward: What’s Next for Trey Lance?

While the Cowboys have shown they’re ready to move on, Trey Lance will still have a chance to prove himself with another team. Whether he signs with a team as a backup or joins a quarterback competition in 2025, the upcoming season will be crucial for his career. Teams that need a young developmental quarterback could look at Lance as a potential reclamation project. Lance has the physical tools, but he needs to show he can stay healthy and improve his consistency, particularly when it comes to limiting turnovers and making better decisions in the pocket.

At 24 years old, Lance still has time to develop. His time in Dallas may be brief, but it could set him on a new path if he finds the right team and system that believes in his potential.

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