6 Cowboys Already on Thin Ice in Training Camp

2. Trey Lance, Quarterback

The Cowboys sent a fourth-round pick to the San Francisco 49ers last year in exchange for Trey Lance. The third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft out of North Dakota State, Lance was the starter for the Niners to begin the 2022 season. An ankle injury ended his season and required two surgeries to repair.

While he was out, Brock Purdy took the reins and never let them go. He's continued to shine and led San Francisco to the Super Bowl while Lance is still waiting to make his first preseason appearance in Dallas.

Head coach Mike McCarthy said the team will feature Lance heavily in training camp and the preseason. Speculation has run rampant that this could be due to their ongoing contract negotiations with Dak Prescott — which Jerry and Stephen Jones seem determined to screw up. The truth is, that they're probably hoping he will perform well enough to flip him for another pick.

It's still early in camp but the first day wasn't promising for Lance. He had several overthrows as he looked uncomfortable in the offense. He also threw an ugly pick trying to force a pass to Deuce Vaughn in coverage.

Lance will have plenty of time to turn things around but the early returns are concerning. He was already someone who entered this season with more questions than answers. As he approaches free agency in 2025, Lance needs a strong showing this preseason to convince a team to give him a chance.

This poor start isn't what he needed.