The Dallas Cowboys are declining the fifth-year option for quarterback Trey Lance, whom they traded for from the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick last season, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer.
The move makes sense and comes as no surprise as the decision was likely made back in August when the Cowboys completed the trade for Lance, and considering that picking up his option would have cost $22.4 million, and would have been fully guaranteed.
Additionally, picking up Lance’s option would have likely raised further questions over the Cowboys’ stance to keep current starting quarterback Dak Prescott beyond 2024. Lance is set to make $5.31 million this season in base salary and option bonus as part of the fully guaranteed, $34.1 million contract he signed with the 49ers.
San Francisco traded up to select Lance with the 3rd overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.