The Cowboys’ Potential Draft of a Quarterback: The End of Trey Lance’s Era in Dallas

The NFL Draft is always a time of excitement, hope, and speculation. For fans and analysts alike, it’s an opportunity to see where new talent will emerge and how teams will build their future. One of the most intriguing developments in recent days has come from Stephen Jones, the executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Dallas Cowboys. Jones has suggested that the Cowboys are likely to draft a quarterback in the upcoming draft. This revelation has sparked a new wave of speculation about the future of Trey Lance, the former third overall pick who was traded to Dallas in a bold move in 2023.

Lance’s career trajectory has been full of twists and turns, and the Cowboys’ interest in drafting a quarterback could signal the end of his time in Dallas. With Jones’ comments now in the spotlight, it’s time to analyze the situation from every angle, looking at the implications for the Cowboys’ quarterback room, their draft strategy, and the future of Trey Lance.

Trey Lance’s Journey to Dallas

Trey Lance’s journey to the NFL was a story of both promise and uncertainty. After a standout career at North Dakota State, where he led the Bison to a national title and put up eye-popping numbers, Lance was considered one of the most talented quarterbacks in his draft class. The San Francisco 49ers made the bold decision to trade up to the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, selecting Lance with the hopes that he could become the future of the franchise.

However, things didn’t quite go as planned. Lance struggled with injuries, including a devastating ankle injury in 2022, which sidelined him for most of the season. During his brief appearances on the field, Lance showed flashes of his potential, but inconsistencies in his play and questions surrounding his readiness for the NFL level made it difficult to judge his future in San Francisco.

As a result, the 49ers’ decision to stick with Jimmy Garoppolo and eventually hand over the reins to Brock Purdy created uncertainty about Lance’s future. Despite the 49ers having invested so heavily in him, Lance became expendable, and in August 2023, the Cowboys made a surprising trade with San Francisco to acquire Lance for a fourth-round pick.

At the time of the trade, many viewed it as a low-risk, high-reward move. The Cowboys had Dak Prescott firmly entrenched as their starting quarterback, but the idea was to bring in a developmental talent with significant upside. Lance was viewed as a potential long-term project, a quarterback who could sit behind Prescott and learn for a year or two, potentially taking over if Prescott’s contract situation or performance ever became a concern.

Stephen Jones’ Comments and the Draft Outlook

Recently, Stephen Jones has made it clear that the Cowboys are not ruling out the possibility of drafting another quarterback in the upcoming NFL Draft. In a conversation with the media, Jones emphasized the need to continually evaluate the quarterback position and build for the future, even if Prescott remains the starter for the foreseeable future.

“Like every other position, we’re always looking to upgrade and build for the future. We’ll see how it plays out, but we certainly don’t rule out the possibility of adding a quarterback in the draft,” Jones said.

This statement has sparked a number of reactions, and for good reason. The Cowboys are in an enviable position with Prescott as their starter. While there are some critiques of Prescott’s performance in big games, his overall production and leadership are undeniable. Still, the Cowboys are looking to remain competitive for the long term, and it’s clear they believe that quarterback depth, both for now and the future, is essential.

The potential drafting of another quarterback speaks volumes about the team’s faith in their current backup, Trey Lance. Lance was brought to Dallas with the expectation that he would be a project, but it’s fair to question if that project is starting to look less promising. The team’s willingness to look at other quarterbacks in the draft suggests that Lance may not be seen as the answer for the future, further diminishing his already uncertain role in Dallas.

The End of Trey Lance’s Era in Dallas?

If the Cowboys decide to draft a quarterback in the upcoming draft, it could spell the end of Trey Lance’s brief tenure with the team. While Lance was touted as a high-upside talent, his time in Dallas has been marred by a lack of playing time and inconsistent reports regarding his development.

It’s important to note that the Cowboys’ system is not one that is built for a quarterback to sit for long periods of time. Prescott has been relatively durable over his career, and unless he were to suffer a significant injury, it’s hard to imagine Lance getting many meaningful snaps. Additionally, the Cowboys have one of the most complete rosters in the league, making it difficult for a young quarterback to get meaningful opportunities to showcase their skills.

With this in mind, the Cowboys are unlikely to remain patient with Lance indefinitely. If a potential quarterback prospect in the draft stands out, the Cowboys may prefer to draft someone with a higher ceiling and more immediate potential. This could lead to the Cowboys moving on from Lance and potentially looking for a more reliable backup quarterback or long-term solution to complement Prescott’s tenure in Dallas.

Moreover, the Cowboys may be looking to add a quarterback who better fits their vision for the future. While Lance has an intriguing physical skill set, he remains unpolished as a passer. If Dallas were to draft a quarterback, they might be looking for someone with a higher level of polish or someone who can step in sooner rather than later. The team is still in “win-now” mode with Prescott at the helm, and they may want to secure a quarterback that offers more immediate value in case of injury or other unforeseen circumstances.

The Draft Class and Possible Targets

As for the 2025 NFL Draft, there are several potential quarterback prospects who could be available for the Cowboys to consider. The 2025 draft class is not as strong as some others, but it does offer a few intriguing options.

One possible target could be a player like Quinn Ewers from Texas, a quarterback who has impressed scouts with his arm strength and accuracy. If the Cowboys decide to invest in a quarterback, Ewers could be a solid fit for their system, offering both the physical traits and a chance to develop behind Prescott.

Another option could be J.J. McCarthy from Michigan, who has the potential to be a dual-threat quarterback in the NFL. McCarthy’s mobility and playmaking ability could make him an intriguing backup or future starter for the Cowboys.

Finally, Bo Nix from Oregon could be an under-the-radar pick. Nix has had an outstanding college career and could offer the Cowboys a player with high upside and a competitive nature. Nix’s ability to move in and out of the pocket and make plays on the run could provide some insurance if the Cowboys want a backup quarterback who brings an extra dynamic to the table.