Trey Lance has been with the Cowboys for almost a year, but he has not yet participated in a preseason with his current team. Despite being among the 2021 first-round QBs headed for free agency, the Cowboys are planning to give Lance an extended opportunity in August.
He will compete with Cooper Rush for the No. 2 QB position in Dallas and is expected to see more playing time during the preseason. The team is familiar with Rush, who has been with the Cowboys for most of his NFL career. Rush may serve as an emergency option in his eighth year with the team.
Although Rush currently has an edge in the backup competition, there could be changes before the final 53-man roster is set. Lance is likely to be the second QB on the roster, while Rush could potentially end up on the practice squad as an insurance option.
The Cowboys are unlikely to carry three QBs on their active roster, and Lance would have to perform poorly during camp to not be Dak Prescott’s primary backup. Rush could be a temporary solution, while the team hopes Lance will continue to develop during training camp.
Like other 2021 first-round QBs who have been traded, Lance has a $5.3MM guarantee and spent the 2023 season as Dallas’ third QB. The Cowboys declined his fifth-year option in May, and Lance has limited regular-season experience due to injuries. The emergency QB rule could provide flexibility for the Cowboys to keep Rush as the backup if needed.
Despite his limited NFL experience, Lance will have the chance to compete for the backup role in August, with the team giving him every opportunity to surpass Rush. The Cowboys may prioritize Lance on the roster to avoid exposing him to waivers.