In a surprising turn of events, the San Francisco 49ers have agreed to trade their once-promising franchise quarterback, Trey Lance, to the Dallas Cowboys. The deal, which was finalized on Friday night, sees the 49ers receiving a fourth-round draft pick in exchange for Lance. This move effectively ends Lance’s time with the team and marks the culmination of a whirlwind 48 hours for the young quarterback.
Earlier in the week, Lance received the devastating news that he had lost out on the backup quarterback position to Sam Darnold, who was chosen to be the No. 2 behind starter Brock Purdy. Lance’s disappointment was evident when he chose not to participate in Wednesday’s practice. However, he returned to the team facility on Thursday morning. Little did he know that he would soon be packing his bags for Dallas.
General Manager John Lynch had initially expressed his belief that Lance would stay in San Francisco. However, he also acknowledged the possibility of a trade if a suitable opportunity arose. It seems that the Niners found such an opportunity with the Dallas Cowboys. While it may come as a disappointment to Lance and his fans, the team believes that this trade is in the best interest of both parties.
As part of the trade, the 49ers will incur dead money hits of $8,361,434 this year and $5,540,956 in 2024. Lance, on the other hand, is scheduled to make $940,000 in 2023 and has a guaranteed salary of $5.3 million in 2024. Additionally, Dallas will have the option to decide on Lance’s fifth-year extension for the 2025 season. This trade not only has ramifications on the field but also impacts the financial future of both teams involved.
Trade talks had been swirling around Lance throughout the offseason ever since he suffered a broken right ankle in Week 2 of the previous season. Couple that with Purdy’s stellar performance down the stretch, and the writing was on the wall for Lance. The signing of Sam Darnold in March further intensified the competition for the backup position. Despite the interest in Lance from other teams before the draft, the Niners held out for a significant offer.
The addition of Lance does not indicate a lack of faith in current Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. Instead, it provides some insurance for the future. Prescott, who recently turned 30, has had injury concerns, missing games in each of the last three seasons. While he is signed through 2024, discussions about a contract extension have not progressed significantly. With the acquisition of Lance, the Cowboys can plan for the long term without putting undue pressure on Prescott.
Despite Prescott’s stellar performances, the Cowboys have failed to advance past the divisional round of the playoffs in his four postseason appearances. The team’s last Super Bowl victory dates back to 1995, and the organization is hungry for success. Prescott recognizes the pressure to deliver, stating that the team holds themselves to a high standard and expects to end their playoff drought. With the addition of Lance, the Cowboys hope to create a winning formula that can take them all the way.
With Lance now joining the Cowboys, they will have three quarterbacks on their 53-man roster for the regular season. Cooper Rush, who signed a two-year deal in March, will continue to serve as the backup. He has shown his capabilities during Prescott’s absence in the past. Will Grier, who was competing for the No. 3 quarterback spot, will likely see significant playing time in the team’s preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Lance’s journey with the 49ers has been marked by setbacks and missed opportunities. In his two seasons with the team, he started just four games and appeared in a total of eight contests. The young quarterback completed 56 of 102 passes for 797 yards, with five touchdowns and three interceptions. His limited playing time makes him the top-5 pick with the fewest games played for the franchise in the Common Draft Era.
As Trey Lance embarks on a new adventure with the Dallas Cowboys, both he and the 49ers can reflect on the challenges and learning experiences of their time together. While it may not have turned out as initially envisioned, the trade presents an opportunity for Lance to start fresh and make a significant impact in Dallas. As for the 49ers, they can now focus on their future with the knowledge that they made a move that aligns with their long-term plans. Only time will tell how this trade will shape the careers of Trey Lance and the two organizations involved.
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