'No Regrets!' Jerry Stands By Trey Lance Trade

The Dallas Cowboys lost their preseason finale on Saturday, giving the home fans a sour taste in their mouths after falling to the Los Angeles Chargers 26-19 .

The story of the loss was undeniably quarterback Trey Lance’s struggles.

Viewed at one point as an exciting candidate for QB2, Lance furthered the distance between himself and veteran backup Cooper Rush with his performance in the preseason affair.

Lance took every snap under center for Dallas, but struggled mightily. He completed 33 of 49 attempts for 323 yards, one touchdown, and five interceptions – including a turnover on each of his last three drives.

Lance, who did show speed and mobility as a runner, was also was sacked three times and fumbled twice, one of which Los Angeles recovered.

After the game, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was asked about trading a 2024 fourth-round pick for a quarterback who is still firmly the third quarterback on the depth chart.

“For a fourth-round pick? Are you kidding me?” Jones responded . “Although we did get Dak with our second fourth-round pick (in 2016). But we’ve had some that didn’t play in the fourth round, too.”

Things got ugly on Saturday. But Jones, despite the criticism his comment will receive, isn’t wrong for rolling the dice.

The Cowboys could have drafted a part-time contributor with that selection. It’s possible they could have picked a starter or even a Pro Bowler. But the likelihood of drafting a true impact talent in Round 4 isn’t high.

Lance, of course, was no guarantee, either. His potential – a backup capable of saving the season or trade bait for a future early-round pick – offered a path to surplus value. But there was always a chance that it simply wouldn’t work out. Dallas may very well be living in that universe. That’s the cost of doing business.

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Jones is far from infallible. However, criticizing him for a good-process trade is like criticizing Dak Prescott for an interception he threw after a receiver dropped the pass, but for one asterisk: Dallas acquired him knowing he'd be out of contract after 2024, so no matter what he might become ... he's in limbo as far as being a long-term solution, even if his potential is soon realized.

Saturday was rock-bottom for Lance. But he’s still going to make the roster, and his athleticism will still earn him consideration for snaps if Prescott misses significant time. His poor performance isn’t the talk-show-leading story it’s destined to turn into.

For now? The Cowboys rolled the dice on Trey Lance. And they are still waiting for the final results.