Trey Lance Showcased Talents in Preseason Game against Raiders

In the Cowboys’ 27-12 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday, former third-overall pick Trey Lance displayed flashes of the talent many expected when he entered the 2021 NFL Draft. It seemed as though he might have been showcasing his abilities for a team that could benefit from his skill set.

Lance, who arrived in Dallas via trade before last season, played most of the game, completing 15 of 23 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown. He also demonstrated his athleticism, leading the Cowboys in rushing with 34 yards and a score on seven attempts.

This performance comes as Dak Prescott seeks a contract extension from Dallas, entering the final year of his deal, which could command a hefty price tag in the $50-60 million per year range.

Currently listed third on the depth chart behind Prescott and Cooper Rush, Lance has completed 62.5% of his passes this preseason, totaling 359 yards. His completion percentage is nearly eight points higher than his career average of 54.9%.

While preseason stats aren’t always indicative of regular-season success, Lance appears to be making strides.

During his two seasons with the 49ers, Lance started four games, played in eight, and threw for 797 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions.

Although his long-term future may not be in Dallas, as the Cowboys are likely to prioritize keeping Prescott, Lance’s preseason performance could be helping him secure his next opportunity. His play on Saturday, and throughout the preseason, may have caught the attention of teams needing a quarterback, like the Raiders.

The Raiders, under new head coach Antonio Pierce, are dealing with uncertainty at the quarterback position. On Saturday, they rotated Aidan O’Connell, Carter Bradley, and Gardner Minshew, who combined to complete 59.2% of their passes for 247 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

Out of the three, Minshew, with his 9,937 career passing yards, might be the most experienced option. O’Connell, who started 10 games for the Raiders as a rookie in 2023, completed 62.1% of his passes for 2,218 yards, 12 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. While O’Connell has potential, Lance could offer a different dimension to the Raiders’ offense with his athleticism.

Though Lance and O’Connell are different types of quarterbacks, Lance’s mobility could be an asset. O’Connell rushed for just 11 yards on 17 attempts in 2023, whereas Lance, with less playing time, has rushed 54 times for 235 yards and a touchdown.

The Raiders aren’t the only team that should consider Lance. The Vikings, who lost their first-round pick J.J. McCarthy for the season, are left with options like Sam Darnold, Nick Mullins, or Jaren Hall. Hall is the biggest question mark, while Darnold, a former first-round pick, has had multiple opportunities to prove himself. Darnold has played in 66 games in six years, with a 50.7% completion rate, 63 touchdowns, and 56 interceptions. Mullins, with a 66.8% completion rate, offers a more accurate option but also has a nearly even touchdown-to-interception ratio.

Injuries or other circumstances could create opportunities for Lance in the remaining preseason games or early in the season before the trade deadline. His preseason performance should be turning heads around the league, potentially giving him the chance to finally prove he was worth that third-overall pick.