Dak Prescott Backup Trey Lance 'Arrow Up,' Cowboys Say: QB Competition with Cooper Rush?

“The arrow is really up,” Jones said of Lance's future. “He’s exceeded expectations as a person, as a worker, as a character and he’s got unique skills.”

Of course, Jones' words support Dallas' trade for Lance from the San Francisco 49ers last fall. The Cowboys gave up a fourth-round pick on a dart-throw QB who'd been the Niners' top pick, and third-overall in his Lance's draft.

The coming reality: Lance, who will have a $5 million guaranteed salary for 2024 but can be free after that - with sources telling us that Dallas would like to eventually negotiate a deal that would keep him here - is about to get a chance to compete with Cooper Rush for the No. 2 spot behind Prescott.

Beyond that? Some in Cowboys Nation can dream about the idea of Prescott playing out his final year in 2024 and then seeking his $60 million APY contract elsewhere ... while Lance takes over at a fraction of that price.

Is that scenario realistic? Not very. But for now? The Cowboys are happy with their dice rol..

“He’s very much what we had planned on, hoped for when we gave the pick,” Jones said. "That’s been reinforced by what he’s been to the team.”