Cowboys: Dak Prescott has candid response to Trey Lance trade

The Dallas Cowboys shook the NFL when they traded a fourth-round draft pick to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for quarterback Trey Lance. This being America's Team and all, the news was immediately framed as Lance potentially threatening Prescott's future with the team, even if the facts and financials don't support the narrative. It's […]

Mauricio Rodriguez — Dallas Cowboys News Writer

Aug 27, 2023 11:37 AM EDT

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott talked to reporters following the team's preseason win vs. Las Vegas Raiders.

The Dallas Cowboys shook the NFL when they traded a fourth-round draft pick to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for quarterback Trey Lance.

This being America's Team and all, the news was immediately framed as Lance potentially threatening Prescott's future with the team, even if the facts and financials don't support the narrative. It's the way things go when you quarterback the team with the brightest lights in the NFL.

So naturally, following the Cowboys' preseason win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday night, Dak stood in front of multiple mics and answered questions about the addition.

While Prescott handled himself with the usual professionalism he brings to every interview, there was a little bit of a fire in him.

"Obviously, I understand it's a business," Prescott told reporters following the preseason finale. "That's a first-round talent, you're always trying to make the team better. We're going to welcome him as we do any teammate and hopefully, he makes us better."

Dak's been around for a while, something that many lose sight of considering there's still a whole lot of football left in his career. But when asked if the trade for Lance surprised him at all, Prescott reminded the media of the fact that he's seen a thing or two entering his eighth season in the NFL.

"To be honest with you, I'm not surprised by anything anymore," the Cowboys quarterback said. "I've been in the league this year, been on this team, it's hard to say that I was surprised."

Prescott is set to count for $59 million in next year's salary cap, a hefty number that will absolutely need to be brought down in 2024 via a contract extension. At the moment, the quarterback seems to have all of the leverage, even with Lance joining the team. After all, Dak has done one thing Lance has yet to do: Be a starting QB in this league.

"I'll leave those talks in the office where business is handled," said Prescott about Lance's impact in negotiations with the Cowboys front office. "I can't say that I necessarily expected it, no. I understand that it's business."

As soon as he could though and before the next question could come in, Prescott changed the topic at hand.

"Honestly, right now, my heart and my mind is with Will (Grier)," he added. "It's a tough situation, love that guy to death. Plays his ass off, comes in, and prepares the right way each and every day. We're going to welcome Trey, that's what you do for a teammate (…) but my heart is with that guy over there right now."

Grier was informed Saturday night would be his last game with the Cowboys but was allowed to put on a show for the other 31 NFL teams. He delivered a fantastic performance which produced four touchdowns.