Trey Lance. Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports

Trey Lance gets fresh start after disappointment with 49ers

By Tommy Fradenburg | Last updated 8/26/23

When the San Francisco 49ers traded up in the 2021 NFL Draft to select North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance with the third overall pick, he was expected to take Jimmy Garoppolo's starting job and never relinquish it.

This never materialized.

Lance started just four games over the past two years, with his 2022 campaign coming to an abrupt halt due to a severe ankle injury in Week 2. After a lackluster preseason so far he fell to third on the 49ers depth chart behind 2022's Mr. Irrelevant Brock Purdy and fellow first-rounder (turned journeyman) Sam Darnold.

After head coach Kyle Shanahan told Lance to take some time away from the team to clear his head once he was named QB3 earlier this week, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the 49ers traded Lance to the Dallas Cowboys for a fourth-round draft pick.

Compensation update: Cowboys are sending a fourth-round pick to the 49ers for Trey Lance, per league source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 25, 2023

While things haven't gone according to plan for Lance, this move is one that should benefit both he and Dallas.

Dak Prescott is the Cowboys' unquestioned starter, and arguably the best quarterback Lance has shared a locker room with so far. He'll get the opportunity to continue to develop as a passer and leader without the added pressure of immediate sky-high expectations. He also has a resource in Cooper Rush who knows what it takes to be a quality backup quarterback, something that could prove invaluable should Lance get thrust into action this year.

The move makes sense for the Cowboys as well.

They get a young quarterback who, despite significant injuries in his past, has on occasion flashed the talent that got him drafted in the top three. It also gives them some leverage in potential upcoming contract negotiations with Prescott, who can opt out of his current contract after this year.

The future is anything but certain, especially in football. But on paper at least, this appears to be a savvy acquisition by the Dallas Cowboys and a clean slate for an embattled former top pick.

More must-reads: