Jerry Jones excited by Lance trade, says move isn't about Dak
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones addressed the trade for quarterback Trey Lance from the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday, saying the arrival of the former No. 3 pick makes sense for his team both short and long term.
"We view it as an opportunity that could pay dividends this year and will pay dividends (long term)," Jones said, according to The Athletic's Jon Machota.
"He gives us an opportunity to do what we always like to be doing," Jones added, per Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News. "It would be ideal for Dak (Prescott) to have a young, prospective, developing quarterback who could just be in the room and be on the team with him."
The Cowboys sent a fourth-round pick to the 49ers on Friday in exchange for Lance, who became available for a trade after being relegated to QB3 in San Francisco behind Brock Purdy and Sam Darnold.
Jones said he didn't hesitate to contact the 49ers after learning of Lance's availability. The 80-year-old added that he didn't talk to Prescott or head coach Mike McCarthy before making the deal.
"We didn't waste any time. The minute we knew they were serious about trading him, we didn't want the phone to hang up," Jones said, according to Mike Leslie of WFAA. "We just made the decision almost the minute we heard the name, let's get him."
Prescott is signed through the 2024 season and is expected to begin negotiating a new contract soon. The two-time Pro Bowler is 61-36 as a starter but is coming off a season in which he tossed a league-high 15 interceptions in 12 games.
Jones downplayed the idea that the trade for the unproven Lance gives Dallas leverage with Prescott. The passer's $40-million average annual salary currently ranks ninth among quarterbacks, according to Spotrac.
"It didn't cross my mind, period, about an impact here regarding Dak," Jones said. "I know Dak wants us to do anything we can do to improve this team. We're going to do it."
Jones, who praised Prescott and Dallas' quarterback room, also said he doesn't have high expectations for Lance in Year 1 with the Cowboys.
"Candidly, I don't want to plan on, count on, or wish for help from him this year," he said.
Lance has failed to meet the expectations since entering the NFL in 2021. The North Dakota State product started four games in two seasons with the 49ers, who made a trade involving three first-round picks to move up in the draft to take him at No. 3.
The 23-year-old presumably will have a chance to compete with Cooper Rush for the No. 2 quarterback role in Dallas. The Cowboys went 4-1 with Rush replacing an injured Prescott in 2022.