Cowboys’ acquisition of Trey Lance will be judged on ability to improve certain traits  

The Cowboys traded for Lance knowing work needed to be done but which skills can be developed and which are more engrained in his DNA? @ReidDHanson explores the data behind improving QB play.

Roster improvement is a 24-7, 365-day task in the NFL. Just days before NFL rosters must be cut down to 53, here the Cowboys are, adding more pieces to the silver and blue puzzle. Sending a fourth-round draft pick to San Francisco, the Cowboys added to their QB depth by acquiring former No. 3 overall pick, Trey Lance.

Only 28 months ago, the 49ers seemingly bet the farm on a young kid from North Dakota State. Packaging three first-round picks and some change, they traded up and drafted who they believed was the perfect QB for Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system.

Lance was coming off a standout 2019 season where he posted 28 touchdown passes, 1,100 rushing yards, zero interceptions and a perfect 16-0 record. His 2020 season was derailed by COVID-19 shutdowns. He was undeveloped as a passer but possessed elite physical traits and a running ability that set him apart from other prospects.

Things rarely unfold as planned in the NFL and that was especially true in this case. After failing to secure even the QB2 spot in training camp, San Francisco decided they’d seen enough.

Dallas hopes a fresh start, reduced expectations and a new voice in his ear is all Lance needs to turnaround his otherwise disappointing career.