The Dallas Cowboys did not end the season on a positive note, losing to the Washington Commanders in their final game. However, quarterback Trey Lance, who finally got a chance to start a game, had a good outing. He ended up with 244 yards and completed 20 of 34 passes while rushing for another 26. Skip Bayless has taken the performance as proof that he can replace Cooper Rush as a worthy backup for Dak Prescott.
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Skip expects Rush, the current backup and QB2, to depart this off-season in free agency.
“Trey Lance went 20 of 34 for 244. Not bad, didn’t turn it over which was great. Something to build on. I’m pretty sure Cooper Rush will be gone. So will Trey Lance be backup to Dak next season? Quite possibly,” said Bayless on his YouTube channel.
Lance should have been given more opportunities this season despite a poor pre-season run, said Skip, adding that he saw “flashes of greatness” from the 24-year-old today. Among other things, Bayless praised Lance’s good size, mobility, and his excellent arm.
However, Lance is also set to hit free agency next season. The Cowboys chose not to pick up his fifth-year option, leaving him on his current 4-year rookie deal worth $34.1 million. It’s unlikely he’ll receive a similar deal elsewhere since Lance has yet to prove he’s capable of being a reliable QB1.
So Lance would be keen to stay in Dallas. However, with Prescott already commanding $60 million, the Cowboys could also end up looking for a more cost-effective backup. They could sign a less expensive veteran quarterback or draft a younger option keeping the future in mind. This puts a question mark on Lance’s future, even as a potential backup.
That said, since the Cowboys spent two seasons developing Lance, they might be inclined to continue working with him. Bayless hinted so too. And, by re-signing him, they could possibly mold him into a viable starter, lining him up as Dak’s potential successor.
