Stephen Jones praises quarterback Trey Lance after Year 1 with Dallas

Cowboys executive Stephen Jones praised quarterback Trey Lance on Friday as he reflected on the former first-rounder’s first year in Dallas. Though the former 49ers draft pick didn’t see the field after the team traded for him, he’s still earned a solid reputation.

“He’s done nothing but excite us even more as he’s worked here all of last season and in the offseason, in terms of his work ethic, his skill level. We are very pleased,” Jones said, via Jon Machota. “He exhibits everything you would think a top 5/top 10 pick would exhibit. … Trey exhibits a similar type of work ethic (to Dak Prescott).

“Obviously, Trey is a really good athlete, and the most important thing is his arm. He’s got a very live arm, very strong arm. He continues to improve with his footwork and his accuracy.”

Through his first two years in the league, Lance has started in just four games, owning a 2-2 record. He completed 56-of-102 passes for 797 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions – all with the 49ers.

The Cowboys traded a future fourth-round pick to snag Lance from San Francisco. Perhaps the team was hoping Lance would push second-stringer Cooper Rush. That didn’t turn out to be the case.

All of the Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks enter final contract years

Although the Cowboys picked up the roster bonus on Lance for the 2024 season, it’s unlikely that they’ll exercise the fifth-year option on his rookie contract. For Lance, a former first-rounder with no Pro Bowls to his name yet, the fifth-year option would have cost Dallas $22.4 million. Coming out of the draft, he signed a four-year rookie deal for $34.1 million with a $22.16 million signing bonus and all money guaranteed.

After the 2024 season, the former North Dakota State star could enter free agency for the first time in his NFL career. Jones also addressed that possibility while discussing all of the Cowboys’ quarterbacks expiring contracts.

“Certainly, Dak (Prescott) is a priority in terms of his contract,” Jones said. “Certainly, we’ll be taking a look at Trey (Lance). I know Trey will look at his situation as well, in terms of what his options are. I’m sure a lot of that will depend on how everything works out with Dak. Cooper (Rush) has been a strong backup here for us. But all of those things will just have to play out.”