ARLINGTON, Texas — What comes next for Trey Lance is anyone's guess at the moment, but his career with the Dallas Cowboys is something he'll hold in high regard going forward. And though his first-ever start for the franchise, in the season finale against the Washington Commanders, didn't end as he intended, it was a mostly positive showing for the young quarterback.
"I mean, anytime I get the opportunity to play against another team's starters, it's something I want to do and obviously put good stuff on tape," said Lance. "I'm excited to go home and watch it tonight and learn a lot from it. Some good things, some bad things, but a ton to learn for sure."
Lance heads into his first free agency stint in a few weeks, initially the third-overall pick of the San Francisco 49ers traded to the Cowboys just ahead of the trade deadline in 2023 — a fourth-round pick being the compensation.
He's since spent time learning from and studying behind Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush, the latter again getting the nod as starter when the former went down with a season-ending hamstring injury this season.
Though there weren't a lot of opportunities for Lance prior to Week 18, he's taking all he's learned into his next chapter, whatever and wherever that may be.
"I'm thankful for all my teammates and coaches, and everyone in this organization that's done everything for me in these last two years," he said. "It's been a ton of fun. I learned a ton and, yeah, just excited for these guys. Super proud of these guys. And anytime you're playing in a situation like that where it's the last one and everyone knows it, I'm just unbelievably thankful for these guys and what they put into it this week and every week."
He also spoke heavily on what lessons he gained from Prescott and Rush, as their mentee.
"Yeah, in every way. I've learned a ton," said Lance. "I've gotten closer with these guys, gotten closer with the coaching staff, and kind of learned a new way to see the game and learned how different guys see the game. Yeah, I think I've grown physically, mentally, and I know myself better as a person."
It's been an adversity-filled NFL career thus far for Lance, who admits to, in hindsight, needing the challenges to give him the proper perspective regarding how to approach not only the game of football, but in life, in general.
But before unrestricted free agency approaches and he eventually mulls his next move, he will sit and reflect on this season and one prior.
"We'll see what happens," he said. "Like I said, I really haven't even got into the whole free agency thing or anything like that, but I know it's coming. I know it's around the corner.
"But I'm going to take this and enjoy this day and just take some time to reflect and just how grateful I am for the time I have spent here."
