Like many teams around the league, the Cowboys sent a strong message in free agency. However, they did not add a large number of players or keep most of their own players. What is clear for the Cowboys is that they are willing to give opportunities to the young players on the team.
There are a number of players on this roster who are still on their rookie contracts but have yet to have a breakout season. Maybe this year too? The Cowboys can only hope, especially considering they only signed one player in free agency (Eric Kendricks) and only have six picks in the NFL Draft later this month.
Therefore, the Cowboys will have to rely on some past draft and free agent signings to fill out this roster.
Today we continue our series on quarterback Trey Lance.
- name: trey lance
- position: quarterback
- experience: Fourth Year
- Games played/started: 8/4
- Remaining years of contract: 1
- how to get: Trade 2023 (with San Francisco)
- Key statistics: Lance has started in four career games and is 2-0 at home and 0-2 on the road, all four against the 49ers.
past: Drafted with the No. 3 overall pick in 2021, Lance was supposed to be the 49ers' quarterback of the future. But obviously, things changed with Lance's injury and Brock Purdy's surprise play. That put Lance on the trade block, and the 49ers sent him to Dallas last August for this year's fourth-round pick. Lance spent the entire 2023 season as the third quarterback, and his only job on the field was during practice.
the current: This year is definitely going to be a big one for Lance, and he needs to get plenty of reps in the offseason, training camp, and of course, preseason games. Dak Prescott hasn't taken a preseason snap since 2019, so don't expect that to change this year. Cooper Rush is likely to be acquired, but the Cowboys aren't looking forward to seeing him as much as they are Lance, and he could play a full game or two in the preseason. It's possible that Lance could beat Rush for the backup job, which would bring him one step closer to playing in a game during the regular season.
future: Either way, the Cowboys need to find a way to develop Lance beyond last year. This is the final year of his contract as the team did not pick up his fifth-year option, which would have been worth $22.4 million in 2025. That doesn't mean he can't be re-signed after the season, but it does mean he can't be re-signed without terms. Knowing what he can do on the field, figuring out the right cost will be difficult. But remember, the Cowboys gave up a fourth-round pick for a chance to develop Lance, so at least they can do something to get him enough reps to increase his trade value. I'm willing to do anything. The next few months should be interesting for Lance and the entire quarterback room.
