The Cowboys dedicated much of their efforts this summer to testing quarterback prospect Trey Lance. The former No. 3 overall pick was picked up in a late August trade with rival San Francisco. Before training camp little was seen of the North Dakota State gunslinger.
Lance, 24, lacked experience since entering the NFL in 2021. It was clear he had the tools but unknown if he knew how to use those tools effectively. In order to find out the Cowboys had to throw him into the fire, both in training camp and in preseason games. And they did just that, giving Lance heavy reps in practice and the lion’s share of work in the preseason.
Lance didn’t light the world on fire in either regard. In practices it was obvious he was the third-best QB in camp and in games he looked a fringe NFL player. He frequently flashed the same traits that made him a top pick, but he also reaffirmed he wasn’t close to being ready to play winning football either.
The Cowboys are in a pickle of sorts because Lance is scheduled to count $5,310,717 against the salary cap, which is more than what most teams want to dedicate to the QB3 position. Lance is still valuable in some regard as a developmental piece, but it would have to be on the right team for the right dollar amount.
The Cowboys have to answer whether or not that’s in Dallas under his scheduled cost or if there are alternatives. Based on Jerry Jones’ comments, he’s committed to the cause, but words aren’t actions and things could be happening behind the scenes.