Trey Lance, the Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback, is at a crossroads in his career as his rookie contract nears its end in 2024. The team faces critical decisions regarding his future, including the possibility of not exercising his fifth-year option but opting for a contract extension instead.
Trey Lance’s Contract Situation
Trey Lance signed a four-year, $34 million rookie contract that will conclude at the end of the 2024 NFL season. As a first-round pick, the Cowboys have the option to pick up Lance’s fifth-year option for 2025, which could extend his stay in Dallas for an additional two seasons. However, recent reports from ESPN’s Todd Archer suggest that the Cowboys are leaning towards not picking up this option and are considering a contract extension instead.
Archer explained that the Cowboys acquired Lance and assumed the final two years of his guaranteed rookie contract in a trade. Lance is currently earning $940,000 in the current season, with a guaranteed $5.31 million for 2024. Despite the significant cap hit, the Cowboys seem hesitant to commit to the fifth year due to its substantial cost, which exceeds $25 million. Instead, they might explore a short-term extension based on Lance’s performance during the current season and the next preseason.
The Future of Cooper Rush
While much attention has been focused on Dak Prescott’s future with the Cowboys following Lance’s arrival, it’s Cooper Rush who might be seeking a new home after this season. Rush signed a two-year, $5 million contract last offseason, extending through 2024. He is set to have a $2.8 million cap hit in the next season, but the Cowboys have an option to release him with a relatively low $625,000 dead cap hit, according to Spotrac.
The challenge lies in balancing Lance’s $5.3 million cap hit for 2024 and Prescott’s substantial $59.4 million cap number for the following season. The latter figure is expected to be adjusted as contract extension discussions progress.
Trey Lance’s Role in Dak Prescott’s Contract Negotiations
While the Cowboys are currently voicing support for Dak Prescott as their franchise quarterback, the landscape could change in the coming years. Prescott’s current four-year, $160 million contract also expires after the next season, aligning with the critical decision regarding Trey Lance’s fifth-year option in 2024.
It remains to be seen whether the Cowboys will leverage Lance’s presence in negotiations with Prescott. The team continues to emphasize Prescott’s role as the leader in the quarterback room, as stated by head coach Mike McCarthy in a recent interview.
In conclusion, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves at a pivotal juncture, with decisions to make regarding Trey Lance’s future, Cooper Rush’s status, and the impending negotiations with Dak Prescott. These choices will have a profound impact on the team’s quarterback situation in the coming seasons.
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