Mike McCarthy shares how he is evaluating Trey Lance entering second year with Cowboys

As Trey Lance heads into his second season with the Dallas Cowboys, he’s earned effusive praise from multiple members of the organization for both his work ethic and his improvement since the team traded for him last offseason. On Wednesday, head coach Mike McCarthy discussed those improvements and how the team plans to evaluate the young quarterback throughout the preseason.

“He’s crossing the thresholds in training, and I’ve been very, very pleased,” McCarthy said Wednesday. “His athletic ability is top-notch. We’ve adjusted some things in his motion — I don’t want to get into specifics — but you can see the improvement in timing.”

Quarterback Dak Prescott raised eyebrows when he told reporters this week that Lance is “pushing him” and taking more and more reps. According to McCarthy, that’s exactly as planned.

“Young quarterbacks need reps, and we’re trying to get him as many reps as we can throughout this offseason program,” McCarthy shared. “He will take a large part of the preseason, and that’s the design. Him and I talk about preseason quite often because that’s what we’re building towards.”

Because of the high price tag, the Cowboys are unlikely to pick up Lance’s fifth-year option for the 2025 season. However, if he manages to beat out Cooper Rush to be Prescott’s official backup QB this season, the team will have to seriously consider an extension for the former first-rounder. Lance’s continued improvement could land him a pretty nice deal, either from Dallas, or another team looking for a good backup.

Dak Prescott: Lance is ‘pushing me’

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott praised Lance this week for helping him get better by pushing him during practices. Dallas gave up a fourth-round pick to acquire the former 49ers draftee and though they did it without letting the starter know, the two have developed a good working relationship.

“I’m excited for where he is now,” Prescott said, via Jon Machota. “He works his ass off. He’s pushing me. I’m somebody that I don’t like to let other people get more reps than me, and Trey is the person I need to watch because he’s trying to get up there on the rep count. That’s a testament to him and how much he’s putting into this. I’ve seen it. He’s gotten better. He can play.”

“As long he is getting better, I promise you, I’m getting better,” he added. “I encourage it. I hope he pushes me. I’m confident in the person and player that I am. I hope he does. I hope he pushes me.”

The Cowboys will play Lance for a considerable number of snaps during the preseason. Dallas will play three West Coast teams during the preseason – the Rams, Raiders and Chargers.