The Dallas Cowboys have numerous decisions to make regarding their quarterback situation, beyond just a new contract for Dak Prescott. Last season, the team rostered three quarterbacks: Prescott, Cooper Rush, and Trey Lance.
During the preseason, Rush has maintained his position as Prescott’s backup. This has led CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin to suggest that Lance could be a potential trade candidate, with the Minnesota Vikings being a logical destination.
“The appeal of Lance has diminished in recent years, with the former No. 3 overall draft pick struggling to secure the primary backup role for the Cowboys,” Benjamin wrote in an August 15, 2024, article titled, “10 NFL players who could be traded next: Kenny Pickett, Trey Lance among potential candidates to be dealt.”
“Still, at only 24, the former San Francisco 49ers prospect has long-term potential that could interest teams in need of a quarterback. While Dallas might opt to keep him with Prescott in a contract year, the fact that they’re allowing Lance to play out his rookie contract suggests they might have already made up their minds.”
The Vikings Make a Lot of Sense as a Potential Trade Destination for Cowboys QB Trey Lance
#Cowboys Trey Lance had his NFL moment on the drive right before the half.
There were 0:28 seconds on the clock…just think about that.
After a few quick passes and his 20-yard rush, Lance set Brandon Aubrey up for the 66-yard field goal. On that drive, Lance never pressed for… pic.twitter.com/fNksikMejx
— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) August 18, 2024
If the Cowboys were to consider trading Lance, which teams might be potential destinations? Benjamin highlighted the Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, and Miami Dolphins as possibilities.
Let’s focus on the Vikings, who could be a suitable match for several reasons. The most obvious is that rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy is expected to miss the entire season due to knee surgery.
Additionally, there’s an extra advantage: Lance is a Minnesota native. He had an impressive career at Marshall High School in Minnesota before moving on to North Dakota State.
Trey Lance’s Trade Value Could Make It More Enticing to Keep the Quarterback
Jalen Cropper from Trey Lance pic.twitter.com/nAinZSrQX3
— Saad Yousuf (@SaadYousuf126) August 20, 2024
Despite the ongoing trade rumors, the Cowboys might decide to retain Lance. The quarterback showed significant improvement in his second preseason game.
Lance passed for 151 yards and a touchdown, completing 65% of his throws. He also contributed 34 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. Lance has been a popular trade candidate due to his $5.3 million cap hit this season.
This is a substantial amount for a player expected to be the third-string quarterback. It’s uncertain what Dallas could gain from trading Lance.
The Cowboys traded a fourth-round pick to acquire Lance from the San Francisco 49ers, but there’s no guarantee they could receive the same value in return.
Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones on Trey Lance’s Future: ‘He’s Going to Be on the 53’
Trey Lance displays nice touch, rewarding Flournoy's picture-perfect route for a Touchdown! #DALvsLV #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/GpSxnn2HQc
— Lord Dylly 🏈 (@Lord_Dylly) August 18, 2024
It’s almost certain that Lance will secure a spot on the Cowboys’ final 53-man roster, even if he doesn’t overtake Rush for the backup quarterback role. This means cutting Lance is not an option. Owner Jerry Jones has already confirmed that Lance will be on the roster, no matter how the rest of the preseason plays out.
“I’d like to see our quarterback depth remain strong,” Jones said, according to DallasCowboys.com. “I want him to get some more reps this weekend—that’s the priority.”
“Do I need to see more from Trey Lance? Yes, but he’s definitely going to be on the 53-man roster.”
Be the first to comment