Cowboys QB Cooper Rush may have secured the starting role in their win over the Commanders on Sunday, but the plan with backup Trey Lance isn't working.

In the last two games Lance has been active, he’s completed four passes for 21 yards and thrown an interception. His defining moment thus far as a Cowboy has been throwing five interceptions in the 2024 preseason finale. He still has a chance to get in some games the rest of this season but will be an unrestricted free agent in the spring.

Despite the Trey Lance trade being a clear disaster, the Cowboys continue to defend it for reasons that make no sense.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has detailed why Trey Lance isn't starting yet. But there is a story behind the story.

Lance has yet to receive an extended look with the Cowboys, appearing in only one regular-season game since joining the roster.

Jones noted that the Cowboys thought it was “just too important” to go with Lance in the last two games, losses to the Eagles and Texans, since they needed wins to try to stay afloat in the playoff race. Jones also disagreed with the notion that perhaps the Cowboys overestimated Lance’s readiness when they acquired him.

The contract, which spans four years, guarantees him $34.1 million, including a hefty $22.16 million signing bonus. For the 2024 season, Lance’s earnings break down into a $1.05 million base salary and a $4.26 million roster bonus, contributing to a cap hit of $5.31 million for Dallas.

Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones was recently asked on 105.3 The Fan about the return on the investment in trading for Trey Lance.

That led to a trade with the Dallas Cowboys, who sent a fourth-round pick to the 49ers for the former North Dakota State quarterback. Adding Lance wasn't a bad idea on the surface, since he was the No.