Dak Prescott sends a message on Trey Lance

The focus continues on Trey Lance as the Dallas Cowboys have yet to reach a new contract agreement with Dak Prescott. The Cowboys franchise quarterback was candid about Lance pushing him to get reps, while also praising his growth since arriving in Dallas.

“He really came in with that mindset of work and how can I improve and ask myself questions, coaching questions,” Prescott told reporters on May 22, 2024. “He calls young guys. He works his (expletive). He pushes me, I can tell you that.

“I’m someone, you know, I don’t like to let other people get more reps than me or not. And Trey is the person I have to watch because he’s trying to get to the top in terms of number of reps. And so, it’s a testament to him and how much he puts into it, and I’ve seen it, and he’s gotten better. Yeah, he can play.

Cowboys Rumors: Dak Prescott will become a free agent in 2025 unless a new contract is signed

Dak Prescott not concerned about his contract situation

“I don’t really take things personally. … It’s about understanding that business is business and for me it’s about controlling what I can, and that ensures I’m the best player I can be right now. https://t.co/2BK7ep1Ac3

– Jon Machota (@jonmachota) May 23, 2024

Prescott is heading into the final season of a four-year, $160 million contract. Lance’s presence could have increased importance given that Prescott can hit free agency in 2025 if no new deal is signed.

Prescott has a non-franchise tag and no-trade clauses, which gives the star quarterback plenty of leverage in negotiations. Lance has yet to appear in a game for the Cowboys since the August 2023 trade to the San Francisco 49ers.

Cowboys News: Trey Lance took shots at Cooper Rush as backup quarterback

Trey Lance: “My mindset really hasn’t changed. Control what I can control. Continue to learn the offense, continue to get closer to (my teammates and coaches). I’m just working on it.

“(My confidence) is way higher than when I got into the NFL. …I feel good about… pic.twitter.com/2saFOoqfsB

– Jon Machota (@jonmachota) May 23, 2024

Patrik Walker of DallasCowboys.com reported that Dallas was giving Lance reps at backup quarterback before Cooper Rush during OTA practices. It remains to be seen if this trend will continue in training camp and the preseason.

“On Trey Lance, I remarked to a colleague offline today that the young Cowboys QB ‘looks way more comfortable than I’ve ever seen him’ in the pocket and on throws ” Walker said in a May 22 post on

Dak Prescott on Trey Lance chasing him: ‘I hope he pushes me’

There seems to be a lot of intrigue around #DallasCowboys backup QB Trey Lance.

It doesn’t mean anything, it could mean something. Either way, it looks like he’s getting the job done this offseason.

(🎥: shiannecorley on IG) pic.twitter.com/JQ5qnyLKUn

-Tony Catalina (@Tony_Catalina) May 20, 2024

Prescott was also asked about his feelings about Lance potentially trying to move him up the depth chart. The veteran quarterback welcomed Lance to push him while maintaining confidence.

“It’s no big deal,” Prescott said of Lance potentially trying to take his job. “…As long as he gets better, I promise I’ll get better. So, I encourage him.

“I hope he pushes me. I hope it makes people think, then. I know where I will be, I know who I am and I have confidence in the person and the player that I am. So, I hope he does. I hope he pushes me.

Dallas also faces a challenge in evaluating Lance’s future. Lance is heading into the final season of a four-year, $34.1 million rookie contract.

The Cowboys declined Lance’s fifth-year option, meaning the quarterback will be a free agent in 2025. If Lance impresses during the preseason or actual games, Dallas could face competition next offseason to re-sign the quarterback. This all adds up to uncertainty about Prescott’s future.