In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL community, Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has made a pivotal decision regarding quarterback Trey Lance’s future with the team. Despite the Cowboys’ recent struggles and dwindling playoff hopes, Jones remains steadfast in his commitment to backup quarterback Cooper Rush, effectively sidelining Lance for the remainder of the season.
The Cowboys’ 27-20 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night dropped their record to 5-8, casting a shadow over their postseason aspirations. With starting quarterback Dak Prescott sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Cooper Rush has stepped in as the starter. Despite the team’s recent struggles, Jones expressed unwavering confidence in Rush during a recent interview on 105.3 The Fan, stating, “I still believe [Rush] gives us our best chance. Wins are important for us. This is a young team.”
This decision has raised eyebrows, especially considering the investment the Cowboys made to acquire Trey Lance. In August 2023, Jones orchestrated a trade with the San Francisco 49ers to bring Lance to Dallas, sending a fourth-round pick in exchange. At the time, Jones acted unilaterally, not consulting head coach Mike McCarthy or Dak Prescott. Reflecting on the trade, Jones remarked, “I got it done. I didn’t have to send it around. I can make that trade in five minutes.”
However, Lance’s tenure with the Cowboys has been underwhelming. He did not take a snap during the 2023 season and saw limited action in 2024. His most significant opportunity came during the preseason finale against the Los Angeles Chargers, where he threw for 323 yards and a touchdown but also recorded five interceptions, including a pick-six. Jones acknowledged the mixed performance, stating, “I saw some good, and I saw some things you’d like to have back.”
Despite these setbacks, Jones has no regrets about the trade, emphasizing the potential he sees in Lance. He noted the quarterback’s limited experience, highlighting that Lance has had fewer than 1,000 plays since 2015, underscoring the need for more development.
As the Cowboys approach the final stretch of the season, the decision to stick with Rush over Lance reflects Jones’s focus on immediate results and the importance of securing wins, even as playoff hopes fade. This move also signals a cautious approach to Lance’s development, suggesting that the organization is not yet ready to hand over the reins to the young quarterback.
The implications of this decision extend beyond the current season. With Dak Prescott’s contract nearing its end in 2025 and the Cowboys expressing intentions to draft a young quarterback, Lance’s future with the team remains uncertain. Jones’s recent statements indicate a desire to maintain stability and competitiveness, prioritizing the team’s immediate performance while keeping an eye on long-term quarterback development.
In conclusion, Jerry Jones’s recent decision to keep Trey Lance on the bench underscores a complex balancing act between nurturing potential talent and striving for immediate success. As the Cowboys navigate the remainder of the season, all eyes will be on how this quarterback situation unfolds and what it means for the franchise’s future.