The Dallas Cowboys found a promising insurance policy for starter Dak Prescott last year, landing Trey Lance in a trade from the San Francisco 49ers.
But when Prescott went down with a season-ending injury, it was instead veteran Cooper Rush who was handed the reins to the offense. Rush has led the Cowboys to a 3-3 record, but his play has led to increasing criticism of the team's decision to trade for Lance.
In an article pointing out winners and losers from the team's 26-24 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Angel Torres of USA Today's Cowboys Wire noted that the team's decision to trade for Lance is looking worse a year later.
"Not playing the young quarterback has already put the organization in a bad position," Torres wrote. "If they opt to play him, it sends a message to everyone they have thrown in the towel and are ready to play the draft positioning game. If the team keeps him holding a clipboard on the sidelines, questions abound the price tag to acquire him, along with his ability to perform at this level."
Torres noted that the pick the Cowboys traded away, a fourth-rounder in 2024, ended up going to running back Bucky Irving who now leads all rookies with 920 rushing yards. Cowboys veteran running back Rico Dowdle has fewer yards and touchdowns, Torres pointed out.
"Dallas could have solved their RB issue early but instead added $5.3 million of salary to their cap for a QB they refuse to play," Torres wrote.
Lance has barely seen the field since joining the Cowboys, appearing in two games this season and completing four of six passes for 21 yards with one interception.
