Why Dallas Cowboys QB Trey Lance Is Expected To Make A Trade Request Next, Per Analysi

Like wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, Trey Lance is projected to play for another team sooner than later. If he makes a trade request down the line, the Dallas Cowboys quarterback may find himself playing for another franchise in the coming months, as noted by a recent NFL analysis.

A few months ago, the Cowboys decided not to exercise the fifth-year option on Lance’s contract. This move was widely anticipated given the team’s existing cap commitments, particularly the significant $40.137 million cap hit for starting quarterback Dak Prescott in 2025.

Jul 31, 2024; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance (19) throws during training camp at the River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, California. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

With Prescott, Cooper Rush, and now Lance all scheduled to become free agents in 2025, the Cowboys have opted to maintain flexibility in their quarterback situation by declining the fifth-year option for Lance. The former third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft was acquired by the Cowboys from the San Francisco 49ers last August, but he remained inactive for the entire 2023 season.

Lance is set to earn $5.31 million in 2024 as he competes with Rush for the backup role behind Prescott. This decision by the Cowboys allows them to further evaluate Lance’s development and determine if he fits into their long-term plans before potentially committing to a guaranteed fifth-year salary.

Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Trey Lance Projected To Make A Trade Demand Soon

Jul 31, 2024; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance (19) throws during training camp at the River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, California. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

Since his contract wasn’t renewed by Dallas, there’s a good chance Lyles may find himself requesting for a trade sooner than later. This can happen, according to an NFL analysis by Ryan Fowler for Bleacher Report.

“2024 is a critical year for Lance, who needs development and on-field experience at 24. Lance is in a battle with Cooper Rush for the backup role, so there’s no guarantee that he will be QB2.

Even if he wins the backup job to put himself one snap away from action should Prescott suffer an injury, Lance may value the chance at winning the QB1 job with a team lacking an established starter.

An organization searching for fresh legs at the position (without having to allocate high draft capital) could find Lance an appealing target, offering him a chance to compete for a starting gig,” Fowler wrote.

Of the four quarterbacks selected in the first round of the 2021 Draft, only Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars had his fifth-year option exercised. The Cowboys, however, have opted to pick up the fifth-year option on defensive end Micah Parsons, solidifying his future with the team.

Aug 11, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance drops back to pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

It remains to be seen where Lance will end up before his current contract ends. Hopefully, a trade request will send him to a team where he’ll be used productively.

Jul 30, 2024; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance (19) and head coach Mike McCarthy during training camp at the River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, California. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports