Trey Lance A 'Waste' & On Cowboys 'Roster Bubble'? Rumor vs. Truth on Dak Prescott Backup

Trey Lance A 'Waste' & On Dallas Cowboys 'Roster Bubble'? The Rumors vs. The Truth for Dak Prescott Backup

LAS VEGAS - As the old saying goes, "The most popular guy in town is the backup quarterback.''

But apparently that is not the case for some observers of the Dallas Cowboys, who rather than dream about what a promising prospect might be able to do, are suggesting that Trey Lance - the No. 3 overall choice in 2021's NFL Draft before his September trade to Dallas - is "a waste.''

Oh, and that Lance is "on the bubble'' for 2024.

Assorted critics point out that Lance did not take a snap all season, and are using that as an indictment of the player and/or of the trade that brought him here from the Niners for a fourth-round pick.

Those critics still don't understand the rule involving the third/emergency QB, who literally cannot enter a game to "take a snap'' unless the two QBs ahead of him on the depth chart, Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush, both get hurt.

That never happened. So Lance never played.

Assorted critics are saying "Lance is far off the radar'' in terms of Dallas' future plans. Those critics are unaware that Cowboys sources tell CowboysSI.com that the team won't pick up his pricy fifth-year option but will try to negotiate a deal to retain him as Dak's long-term backup.

Assorted critics think Dallas will end up cutting Lance in the summer. Those critics are unaware that Lance is still only 23 years old, that his development happened every day working at The Star under head coach Mike McCarthy, and that his $5.3 million contract is fully guaranteed for 2024 - meaning there is zero reason to cut him.

Rumor: Cowboys to Trade Dak Backup Rush or Lance

The Cowboys will allow him the chance this summer to beat out Rush. They will also be open to, having showcased him in the preseason, listening to trade offers. If after giving up a fourth-rounder for him, a needy team wants to give something in excess of that? Dallas will listen.

Prescott's contractual situation - and yes, his talent - likely means he is not going anywhere. Rush might stay as well. But even in a worst-case scenario, Lance could be looked at like he's a kid QB who is "taken in this draft, with a fourth-round pick.''

Think about it that way, and add in the guaranteed money, and you realize why "the roster bubble'' is just about the least likely scenario here for Trey Lance.