Perfect Trey Lance trade partner emerges for Cowboys after NFL Combine
By Jerry Trotta
The 2024 NFL Combine was a disappointment for Dallas Cowboys fans. While potential dream draft targets like Adonai Mitchell and Xavier Worthy turned in jaw-dropping performances, it was learned that franchise left tackle Tyron Smith will likely leave in free agency.
Additionally, it's no sure thing that Dak Prescott receives a contract extension this offseason. It'd be shocking if Prescott and the Cowboys don't agree to a deal. It just might take longer than expected to reach an agreement, which really isn't a surprise given the first round of negotiations between the sides.
A potential Prescott extension would spell bad news for Trey Lance. While the Cowboys picked up Lance's option for the 2024 season, a decision must be made this offseason on Lance's fifth-year option. All signs point to Dallas declining the option, which projects to be worth $22.408 million.
The Cowboys have Cooper Rush under contract, so they could theoretically dangle Lance as trade bait this offseason. While multiple teams might throw a dart at Lance, a perfect trade suitor emerged after the Combine: the Minnesota Vikings.
As QB carousel spins, the #Vikings have a week to keep Kirk Cousins out of the tampering period.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 4, 2024
The feeling among many in the league is that the #Falcons come away with one of these QBs: Cousins, Justin Fields, Baker Mayfield. https://t.co/6rI1PG5Z5J
The Cowboys could trade Trey Lance to the Vikings this offseason
Per ESPN's Dan Graziano, Kirk Cousins has made it clear what he wants in a new contract and the Vikings have yet to submit an offer that matches it. Furthermore, Cousins isn't likely to give Minnesota a hometown discount, even though he and his family are comfortable in the city and he would like to finish his career there. Cousins will be in high-demand if he hits the open market.
Beyond that, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler listed the Falcons, Steelers, Raiders and Vikings (!) as teams that will be on Justin Fields' radar. Fields is obviously more established than Lance, but the fact Minnesota could pursue Fields indicates they'll keep all options open if they don't reach an agreement with Cousins.
That opens the door for a possible Lance-Vikings trade. Recent history proves Minnesota values Lance. After Cousins' season-ending Achilles injury in November, the Vikings briefly discussed calling Dallas to trade for Lance. The former No. 3 overall pick was also linked to the team last summer before the Cowboys swooped in and acquired him from the 49ers.
Trey Lance saw his 2024 option picked up by the #Cowboys, as expected (no surprise there), as the team continues to evaluate and develop him this summer.
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) March 2, 2024
Will he now, officially, be in direct competition with Cooper Rush for the role of QB2 next season?
"Yes." - Jerry Jones pic.twitter.com/yjyH8h3THC
Beyond that, Lance is from Marshall, MN and played college ball at North Dakota State, which is roughly a four-hour drive from Minneapolis.
If the Cowboys do extend Prescott, they'll have to make a decision on Lance. Assuming they decline Lance's fifth-year option, he'd become a free agent after the 2024 season. Trading Lance before the fifth-year option deadline might be Dallas' best chance of recuperating its original investment (a fourth-round pick) in the player.
The Vikings should be the first team Jerry Jones calls if it comes to that.
Dallas has a pivotal offseason ahead and you can start getting your bankroll ready for it early thanks to FanDuel. All you have to do is sign up, deposit $10 or more and then bet $5 or more on any team to win. If your team wins, you'll get $150 in bonus bets! Sign up with FanDuel with this The Landry Hat link today.
More Cowboys news and analysis:
manual