The Dallas Cowboys' acquisition of quarterback Trey Lance is now viewed as a cautionary tale after he made little impact during his brief stint in Dallas. The Cowboys aimed to leverage a fourth-round pick for Lance, hoping he could evolve into a valuable asset. However, he struggled to find playing time, ultimately leading to his transfer to the Chargers, marking a failed experiment for the Cowboys.

In a twist, the Cowboys appear to be on a similar path with Jonathan Mingo, a receiver they also acquired for a fourth-round pick. With a crowded receiver corps led by CeeDee Lamb and featuring talents like Jalen Tolbert and Parris Campbell, Mingo may struggle to earn meaningful snaps unless he significantly impresses during training camp. A repeat of the Lance situation looms if Mingo doesn't quickly establish himself.

The Dallas Cowboys are actively preparing for the upcoming NFL draft, which takes place in just two days. With 10 selections across seven rounds, owner and GM Jerry Jones revealed their intention to explore significant trades, although specific details remain undisclosed. The Cowboys have previously made impactful trades, acquiring players like quarterback Trey Lance and cornerback Stephon Gilmore, but have not executed a major deal since Amari Cooper's mid-season arrival in 2018.

This offseason, notable trades have included linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. and cornerback Kaiir Elam. Currently holding over $37 million in salary cap space, the Cowboys must consider draft picks, practice squad additions, and incentives in their budget. Historically, the franchise has been active on draft day, with Jones orchestrating 72 trades since taking the helm in 1989.

Recently, the team has focused on extending Micah Parsons' contract, aiming to secure him as potentially the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league. Jones and Parsons have reportedly agreed on the contract's duration and guaranteed money, but final negotiations are pending with Parsons' agent. Parsons has begun participating in offseason activities, and the Cowboys are optimistic about finalizing the deal soon.

Trey Lance is on the move again, now signing a one-year, $6.2 million deal with the Los Angeles Chargers after two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. The former No. 3 overall pick will back up Justin Herbert, who is entering his sixth season as the Chargers' starting quarterback.

After a lackluster stint with the Cowboys, where he only started one game and struggled to secure a consistent role, Lance hopes to revive his career in LA. Previously, he was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers and was once viewed as a promising talent before injuries and the emergence of Brock Purdy sidelined him. As he joins a competitive Chargers team, Lance aims to leverage the opportunity to learn under Herbert and showcase his potential.

Trey Lance, the former Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers quarterback, has signed a one-year deal worth up to $6.2 million with the Los Angeles Chargers. After struggling to find a consistent role during his two seasons in Dallas, Lance returns to the West Coast to join a quarterback room led by Pro Bowler Justin Herbert. He will compete with Taylor Heinicke for the backup position. This move follows the Cowboys' acquisition of Joe Milton III from the Patriots, indicating a shift in Dallas' quarterback depth chart.

Lance's journey has been tumultuous since being drafted third overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. His tenure with the 49ers saw limited action, and his time with the Cowboys was marred by injuries and competition for the starting role. The Chargers seem optimistic that the familiar environment and competition will allow Lance to reclaim his potential and contribute effectively as a backup.

The Dallas Cowboys traded a fourth-round draft pick in 2023 to acquire quarterback Trey Lance, yet his tenure with the team was short-lived. After two seasons, Lance has signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers, worth up to $6.2 million, where he'll serve as a backup to Justin Herbert alongside Taylor Heinicke. Despite being a highly-regarded prospect as a third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Lance has struggled, starting only one game for Dallas in the 2024 season, where he threw for 244 yards. Cowboys management is now looking to draft a new quarterback, showing a shift in direction. The Chargers may provide the opportunity he seeks as he looks to revitalize his career.