3 Cowboys Whose Stock is Rising After OTAs
The Dallas Cowboys just finished up their OTA program this past week, which was the team's first official look at the players vying to make the 2024 roster. These early practices provided some useful intel on the newcomers in town, as well as the fringe contributors who need a strong preseason to make it to Week 1.
Despite these workouts being voluntary, it's clear some players relished this opportunity to showcase their talents, thus raising their standing in Dallas in the process.
1. Trey Lance, QB
The Cowboys' uncertain quarterback situation has garnered a ton of attention this offseason as many around the league wonder if Dak Prescott will stick around past the 2024 campaign. Prescott's been a complete professional despite his contract dilemma, showing up for OTAs while other vets seeking pay days -- like CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons -- abstained from working out.
Amid this Prescott drama, a different QB has impressed, though, with Trey Lance earning praise from several people in or around the team. Mike McCarthy came out with a strong endorsement of Lance during the middle of OTAs, claiming the former No. 3 pick is now a "master" of his system.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy reiterated he’s “definitely” seen significant progress from QB Trey Lance. “Now starting to get the timing with the routes. …He’s close to being a master of the system. He has a really high understanding. …He just needs as many reps as he can.” pic.twitter.com/knDt3m8TbR
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) May 30, 2024
The local media saw this evolution from Lance as well, whose first year in Dallas was concentrated solely on learning the playbook, instead of taking the field. The Cowboys' official website noted Lance had "several well-placed throws" in an early OTA session and said he looks "far more comfortable in his process now."
Then there was Prescott, himself, who added to the Lance buzz with notable comments on the young signal-caller's growth, including the fact the former San Francisco 49er is "pushing" him this offseason.
Dak Prescott said Trey Lance has gotten “so much better” in his time with the Cowboys. “I’m excited for where he is now. … He works his ass off. He’s pushing me. I’m somebody that I don’t like to let other people get more reps than me, and Trey is the person I need to watch,… pic.twitter.com/XT7iZmGaVS
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) May 22, 2024
Praise of a rising quarterback doesn't get much better than this. He's clearly made an impression on the staff, the media, and even the guy who's his main competition for the starting job.
Lance has a ton at stake during the 2024 season with him slated to hit free agency in 2025, and it's clear he's doing everything he can to set himself up for the future, whether that's in Dallas or somewhere else.