Cowboys QB Trey Lance shares initial reaction to trade
When the San Francisco 49ers drafted Trey Lance at No. 3 overall in the 2021 NFL draft, they had big plans for the North Dakota State product. But fast forward two seasons later with only four starts under his belt, and Lance is no longer in the running to be the Niners' future franchise after […]
When the San Francisco 49ers drafted Trey Lance at No. 3 overall in the 2021 NFL draft, they had big plans for the North Dakota State product.
But fast forward two seasons later with only four starts under his belt, and Lance is no longer in the running to be the Niners' future franchise after all–nor the team's backup.
While things didn't go according to plan for Lance, his new home with the Dallas Cowboys is certainly nothing to dwell over.
Trey Lance is All Smiles in Dallas
He was all smiles when he first heard that the Cowboys had traded for him.
"I really tried to not expect anything one way or another, but I can say that when I heard it was the Cowboys, I had a big smile on my face," Lance said when speaking to Dallas media for the first time on Tuesday.
Lance will still have to compete against Cooper Rush for the primary backup job behind Dak Prescott, but nonetheless, he's happy to be in Dallas.
"I'm very excited to be here. It was a little bit surreal for me hearing that I was going to come here, knowing everything about this historic organization," he said. "Just compared to the 49ers, obviously, you think of that as another one of the top-tier historic organizations. I believe that everything happens for a reason. I believe I'm here for a reason and, regardless of what it is, I'm here to try and find a way to help this team."
Lance Stoked to Learn From Dak Prescott
With little playing experience at the pro level, this year will be much like another rookie year for Lance as he learns a completely new offensive system.
However, one of the major benefits of Lance joining the Cowboys is the opportunity to learn from a Pro Bowl veteran like Prescott.
"He welcomed me with open arms," Lance said. "It meant a lot to me. This business is crazy but, for me, I'm not looking forward, at all. I'm just trying to take it one day at a time. This guy has played at a very high level for a long time so, obviously, just tons of respect for him, as I think he deserves and gets from across the league. I'm just trying to learn everything I possibly can from him."
Another advantage for Lance moving onto a new team is the simple fact that he can be the future of the Cowboys if he wants. If all goes well for Prescott this season, then there's no question that he will be looking for a lot of money in 2024, a contract year for the starting quarterback – and Dallas could have a Plan B in Lance if negotiations go south.
It will take a lot of hard work, but it's apparent that this "Welcome to the NFL wake-up call" has Lance ready to prove that he has starting potential.
Featured image via Ryan G Hensley's Twitter/X
