Trey Lance’s first preseason with the Dallas Cowboys ended with a mixed performance last Saturday. While the quarterback made the roster, anything beyond this season is hard to predict. One key factor in whether or not Lance returns in 2025 could be if the team extends its relationship with head coach Mike McCarthy.
Like Lance, McCarthy’s contract is up after this season. The Cowboys have made it fairly clear that they’re putting McCarthy in the crucible, accepting the criticism about “lame duck status” so that the coach can fight for a new deal. It puts his future on the shakiest of grounds, perhaps needing nothing short of an NFC Championship Game appearance to maintain favor with the Jones family.