By Wednesday night, the Dallas Cowboys have received and processed their 2024 schedule, which is drawing closer to being played out, with starting quarterback Dak Prescott facing an expiring contract. Amidst the myriad of topics surrounding the Cowboys that networks eagerly discuss, highlighted by the team’s appearance in six primetime games, the discussions regarding Prescott’s future, whether with the Cowboys or another team, are just beginning. This ongoing narrative can be unsettling for Cowboys fans who have been immersed in this dialogue throughout the offseason. However, what adds an intriguing layer to the conversation is the broader perspective on the Cowboys’ entire quarterback situation. Not only is Prescott’s contract set to expire after 2024, but the same holds true for Cooper Rush and Trey Lance.
The Cowboys opted not to exercise the $22.4 million fifth-year option on Lance, a move made earlier in the offseason. This decision signifies that the Cowboys were not convinced about Lance’s ability to justify his status as the third overall pick from three years ago. Furthermore, from the Cowboys’ standpoint, their exposure to Lance has been limited to practice sessions following his acquisition in a trade with the 49ers.
Much of this is to be expected, especially considering Dallas’ tendency to prioritize the health and preservation of their key players during the preseason, with Prescott being a top priority if the goal for 2024 is to compete effectively. Schottenheimer also highlighted that the Cowboys have a clear understanding of Rush’s capabilities as Prescott’s primary backup since 2021, where Rush started six games and won five. This situation leaves Lance as the player requiring the most assessment through actual game experience.
While it holds true that every player on an NFL roster post-draft is striving for a future beyond the current season, the Cowboys have introduced significant uncertainty regarding the mid-to-long-term outlook, particularly concerning McCarthy as head coach, Prescott as quarterback, and other pivotal positions. A standout performance from Lance within a system he has been studying since his arrival in Dallas could solidify his place in the Cowboys’ future plans, showcasing his potential as a former first-round pick who has had limited on-field opportunities despite potential changes in schemes and personnel.
Schottenheimer further noted that the Cowboys’ version of certain West Coast concepts implemented by McCarthy and himself are not entirely transferable to Lance’s current skill set, emphasizing the importance of helping him bridge this gap through not only mental preparation but also on-field experience. Lance possesses the arm strength to effectively push the ball downfield, a key attribute the Cowboys offense successfully utilized last season. Determining what additional structures can capitalize on Lance’s improvisational abilities and mobility is a primary objective for training camp and the preseason.
This development plan for Lance coincides with the Cowboys facing genuine competition at various positions on offense. Evaluating the wide receiver depth chart beyond CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks, the running back rotation approach, and the offensive line depth will require a quarterback capable of executing these reps at a high level. It appears the Cowboys are prepared to entrust Lance with a significant role in this regard, and whether this translates into regular season playing time will be a topic of discussion depending on the ongoing contract negotiations between the front office and Dak Prescott.
Adding to the uncertainty, the Cowboys are beginning the 2024 season with a new defensive coordinator in Mike Zimmer, who has been absent from the NFL since 2021. It is challenging to recall a Cowboys preseason with this level of mystery and uncertainty on both sides of the ball, extending all the way to the current QB3 on the roster.
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