Dallas Cowboys Involved In Suggested QB Trade With NFC Contender

The Dallas Cowboys experienced a familiar disappointment in the 2023 season despite Dak Prescott’s standout performance, leaving fans once again questioning their ability to clinch the Super Bowl. Yet, there was a palpable sense of promise last year.

Prescott’s stellar season placed him at the forefront of the NFL MVP discussion, marking one of the highlights of his career. Finishing the regular season ranked among the top five quarterbacks in key statistical categories, Prescott entered the playoffs with impressive numbers: 4,516 yards (3rd), 36 touchdowns (1st), 9 interceptions, and a QB rating of 72.5 (2nd).

Although the decision to part ways with Kellen Moore, a promising young offensive mind, raised eyebrows, head coach Mike McCarthy took over play-calling duties and guided the Cowboys’ offense to elite status for much of the season. Notably, Prescott and CeeDee Lamb formed a dynamic duo, emerging as one of the league’s top QB/WR tandems.

Beyond the explosive offense, the Cowboys boasted a formidable defense, finishing the season ranked 5th in the NFL.

Following another disappointing playoff exit, the Dallas front office faced uncertainty in the offseason. Initially expected to secure Prescott’s contract extension to maintain core players, negotiations stalled.

Now, with Prescott set to play out the final year of his contract amidst a looming $59 million salary for the 2024 season, the situation remains unresolved.

Amidst this contract standoff, Bleacher Report proposed an intriguing scenario involving trading backup quarterback Trey Lance to the Green Bay Packers. However, given the uncertainty surrounding Prescott’s future, such a move seems premature.

“The Packers have showcased their ability to develop a backup quarterback with Love. Coming out of Utah State, he had a bounty of physical gifts and his time on the bench in Green Bay has clearly helped him become a viable franchise quarterback. Lance is in the final year of his rookie contract. … It’s at least worth it for the Packers to give the Cowboys a call. At worst, Lance plays out the final year of his contract and leaves in 2025. At best, he shows improvement and either becomes the long-term backup or brings back an even higher pick in a trade down the road.”

In return for Lance, the Dallas Cowboys would receive a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft from the Packers.

Lance, acquired as the Cowboys’ Plan B at quarterback, remains a potential bargaining chip in Prescott’s contract negotiations.

While the Packers have a stable quarterback situation with Jordan Love, acquiring Lance, in the final year of his rookie contract, could provide a valuable opportunity for them.

Nonetheless, trading Lance for a fourth-round pick would only make sense if the Cowboys were committed to retaining Prescott and aimed to address roster needs through the draft, presenting a logical resolution to the situation.