As the Cowboys complete optional OTAs, the third-string quarterback continues to receive plaudits from those around him, including head coach Mike McCarthy. McCarthy is the latest to praise the 24-year-old quarterback, whom the Cowboys acquired in a preseason trade last year for a fourth-round draft selection.
This season, the former No. 3 overall draft selection will battle with longstanding backup Cooper Rush for Dak Prescott’s primary backup role. And, while Lance faces an uphill battle to replace Rush — Rush was 4-1 as starter in 2022 with Prescott out — he will have every chance to reclaim the position.
Lance’s progress as he goes through his first summer workouts and training camp with the Cowboys is critical for the team as a whole. It’s no secret that Prescott is nearing the final year of his contract, and while the Cowboys say they want the MVP runner-up back for the long term, there’s no assurance a deal will be reached.
Prescott will have the leverage of potentially entering a free agency market next offseason where he will likely be offered a $50 million per year deal — Kirk Cousins signed a $45 million per year deal this offseason — as well as the knowledge that the Cowboys lack any true proven in-house options. He has no trade.
Prescott will have the advantage of potentially entering the free agency market next offseason, when he will most likely be given a $50 million per year contract — Kirk Cousins earned a $45 million per year deal this summer — as well as the knowledge that the Cowboys lack any truly proven in-house choices. He has no trade.
