Time to Trade Trey Lance Trade to 'Hometown' Vikings?

As the Minnesota Vikings grapple with the season-ending injury to rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy , the Dallas Cowboys may find themselves in a position to capitalize.

McCarthy, who tore his meniscus in his preseason debut, underwent surgery that will keep him sidelined for the entirety of the 2024 season . This leaves the Vikings with a significant hole in their quarterback depth, possibly, we would suggest, opening the door for a trade involving Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance .

There are reasons this is a fit.

The Vikings' current starter, Sam Darnold , has taken most of the first-team reps during training camp and is expected to lead the team into the regular season. However, Darnold’s history of injuries makes Minnesota's backup situation a pressing concern. With only journeyman Nick Mullens and 2023 fifth-round pick Jaren Hall as alternatives, the Vikings are likely exploring all options to reinforce their quarterback room.

Trey Lance, acquired by the Cowboys last year after his stint with the San Francisco 49ers , remains an intriguing figure in Dallas. Despite his struggles with consistency, particularly in terms of vision and accuracy, Lance has shown flashes of the potential that once made him a top-three draft pick. The Vikings reportedly had an interest in Lance last year after Kirk Cousins' injury, and with the same management in place, they could revisit that interest given their current predicament.

Oh, by the way, one of the reasons this idea has popped up before: Lance is a Minnesota kid. There is a "fit'' in that sense, too.

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For the Cowboys, this situation could present an opportunity to recoup some value from the Lance trade. Although Lance’s future in Dallas is uncertain, a trade to Minnesota could provide the Cowboys with valuable assets or draft capital as they continue to build a competitive roster. The decision will depend on whether Dallas is ready to move on from Lance or if they see him as a valuable backup behind Dak Prescott . ... and of course whether that "recoup'' makes up for the fourth-round pick Dallas coughed up to get him.

Worth noting: Lance is out of contract after this year. That means Dallas could lose him for nothing ... and of course, it would mean the same thing for his new team.

While it’s still early to determine if a deal will materialize, McCarthy’s injury has certainly created an opening for the Cowboys to explore. For Dallas, trading Lance could be a strategic move that benefits both the team and the player while also filling a need for the Vikings.