In the world of NFL trades, few moves stir as much debate and scrutiny as the recent acquisition of Trey Lance by the Dallas Cowboys. The trade, which saw the Cowboys part with a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has been met with skepticism and concern, given Lance’s limited experience and the high stakes involved.
Dallas Cowboys’ Gamble on Trey Lance
The Dallas Cowboys, in a somewhat surprising move, opted to acquire Trey Lance from the San Francisco 49ers, relinquishing a valuable fourth-round draft pick in the process.
This decision came just two years after the 49ers had aggressively moved up in the draft, trading three first-round picks to select Lance with the third overall pick in 2021. Lance’s career with the Niners was underwhelming, marked by minimal game-time exposure; he appeared in just eight games.
The trade is particularly intriguing when considering the Cowboys’ decision not to exercise the fifth-year option on Lance’s rookie contract, which would have committed them to a $22.4 million guarantee for 2025. Instead, Lance will earn a base salary of $5.31 million for the 2024 season, with all three quarterbacks on the Cowboys’ roster, including Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush, set to become free agents the following offseason.
A Retrospective Glance at the 2021 NFL Draft
The context of this trade extends beyond the individuals involved, reaching back to the 2021 NFL Draft, an event that was heralded for its exceptional quarterback talent.
Among the top 15 picks were Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars), Zach Wilson (New York Jets), Trey Lance (San Francisco 49ers), Justin Fields (Chicago Bears), and Mac Jones (New England Patriots). Of these, only Lawrence had his fifth-year option exercised, with the rest no longer playing for the teams that originally drafted them.
Lance’s performance, or lack thereof, stands out as particularly disheartening. With a scant 99 pass attempts during his high school career and just 318 in college, his transition to the NFL was always going to be challenging. The expectation that he could step up to NFL standards without significant on-field experience was perhaps a gamble from the outset.
#DallasCowboys
should trade QB Trey Lance to #Chiefs
for LB Leo Chenal + NT Mike Pennel.NFL Quarterback Trade May Be Coming Imminently https://t.co/VxPDN5Nhdb
— Rocket Man (@4D_HOUnds) May 4, 2024
San Francisco 49ers’ Side
From the perspective of the San Francisco 49ers, the trade deal to offload Lance might seem like cutting losses on a costly investment. Initially investing three first-round picks to draft him, the Niners managed to recoup only a fourth-round pick. However, it’s crucial to recognize the talent that San Francisco passed on to acquire Lance initially, which included notable players like Micah Parsons, Devonta Smith, and Jaylen Waddle.
Weighing the Future Implications
The Cowboys’ trade for Lance poses a significant risk with an uncertain reward. While the move was low-cost in terms of draft capital, the potential impact on team dynamics and salary cap considerations could be profound. As Dallas navigates its future, particularly with looming free agency for key players, the effectiveness of this trade will be a critical storyline to follow.
The overarching narrative of Trey Lance’s career and this particular trade will likely serve as a cautionary tale in NFL draft annals. Whether this move proves to be a misunderstood masterstroke or a regrettable misstep remains to be seen as the Cowboys gear up for the upcoming season.
