On Friday night, the Dallas Cowboys made a move that surprised NFL circles, acquiring Trey Lance from the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a fourth-round pick. This deal came after it was announced that newly acquired quarterback Sam Darnold would be backing up Brock Purdy for the 49ers this upcoming season. Many believed Lance would not be traded before the season as there was little interest in his services.
The Cowboys’ current backup quarterback is Cooper Rush. Rush has recorded a 5-1 record as a starter over the last two seasons. However, Rush is 30 years old and provides a very small upside. Lance will be competing with him for the backup spot this upcoming season.
In the 2021 NFL Draft, the 49ers believed Lance would be a potential upgrade to former starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. While Lance did not participate in the NFL Draft Combine, his 1,000 yard rushing season in his only college season where he was the starter intrigued teams. This led to the 49ers trading three first-round picks to move up from the 12th overall pick to the third overall pick in order to acquire him.
However, Lance initially did not fit what the 49ers wanted. His 2021 campaign led to mixed results, recording a 57.7 completion percentage while throwing for five touchdowns and two interceptions in six games played, two of them starting.
Despite the questions, the 49ers believed he could be the starting quarterback. In 2022, Lance was named the starter for the 49ers opening game. After a poor opener, Lance fractured his ankle in Week 2 and was out for the remainder of the season. The questions about his health and accuracy led to the 49ers signing Sam Darnold in free agency. Once Darnold was named the team’s backup, Lance’s name became circulated in trade rumors.
The Cowboys acquisition of Lance will give them a backup quarterback with upside. His age along with his cost for the next two seasons ($940,000 in 2023 and $5.3 million in 2024) gives the Cowboys an affordable quarterback who has the potential to improve his game.
In the short term, Lance can improve the Cowboys running game. Some teams with mobile backup quarterbacks tend to use them in short-yardage or goal-line situations. Lance could replicate what former Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott did last season. Ultimately, Lance provides insurance at a position a team can never have too much of.
