The San Francisco 49er boldly traded up to draft quarterback Trey Lance with the third overall pick in the NFL Draft, almost three years ago. He has completed 56 passes in just eight games over that period. Ankles and best-case scenarios characterize Lance’s career. But it hasn’t ended yet. The Dallas Cowboys will continue to work on this rehabilitation project.

For the time being, however. Based on information from Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News, the team will take up Lance’s $4.25 million roster bonus. Prior to the most recent season, Jerry Jones, the general manager and owner of the Cowboys, traded a 2024 fourth-round pick for the two-time FCS champion, viewing him as an intriguing buy-low alternative and potential injury insurance policy.

Dak Prescott had the best statistical season of his eight-year career (4,516 passing yards, 38 total touchdowns, and just nine interceptions) without missing a single game. With third-stringer Lance not playing a single snap last season and backup Cooper Rush recording just 24 pass attempts, that left little opportunity for any other Dallas signal-caller.

At the top of the depth chart, there won’t be any changes because Prescott is poised to receive a record contract extension in the near future. However, during training camp and the offseason, Lance can advance. Since he is only 23 years old, he still has time to regain the league’s faith.

Trey Lance can still pave the way for himself to contend for a starting position in the NFL in the future because the value of mobility quarterbacks keeps growing. Remaining healthy will be the first step toward accomplishing that challenging objective. Though the path ahead is dangerous, the Cowboys’ continued pursuit of this once highly-coveted talent should fill him with pride.