The Dallas Cowboys entered the offseason with high hopes of bolstering their quarterback depth behind star starter Dak Prescott. With both Cooper Rush and Trey Lance hitting free agency, fans clamored for a rookie signal-caller to step into the QB2 role. However, the Cowboys had other plans, making a surprising move that sent shockwaves through the fanbase and left one former quarterback’s NFL dreams in tatters.
In a low-key trade weeks before the 2025 NFL Draft, Dallas acquired second-year quarterback Joe Milton III from the New England Patriots. The move signaled a shift in strategy, as the Cowboys opted for Milton’s raw potential over retaining their former backups. Cooper Rush, a reliable veteran, inked a two-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens, while Trey Lance, once viewed as a high-upside project, signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Chargers. For Lance, the departure from Dallas marked a stunning fall from grace—and perhaps the end of his NFL journey.
The Cowboys had high hopes for Trey Lance when they acquired him, envisioning the dual-threat quarterback as a potential QB2 for the 2025 season. However, Lance failed to seize the moment. His limited opportunities in Dallas were marred by inconsistent performances, with his Week 18 outing against the Washington Commanders serving as a glaring example of his struggles. Unable to showcase the promise that once made him a top draft pick, Lance’s time with the Cowboys came to an unceremonious end.
Now in Los Angeles, Lance faces an uphill battle to secure the QB2 role behind starter Justin Herbert. He’s competing against veteran Taylor Heinicke and undrafted free agent DJ Uiagalelei in a crowded Chargers quarterback room. While Lance’s athleticism and arm talent give him an edge, his inability to translate potential into production has left doubts about his NFL future. If he fails to impress during the preseason, his days in the league could be numbered.
In a dramatic turn of events, the Canadian Football League (CFL) has emerged as a potential landing spot for the embattled quarterback. On Wednesday, the CFL publicly unveiled its negotiation lists for the first time, revealing that Lance was added to the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ 45-player negotiation list. This move, first reported by TSN’s Dave Naylor in late March, grants the Roughriders exclusive negotiating rights with Lance unless they trade those rights to another team.
The nine teams of the Canadian Football League have made their Negotiation Lists fully public for the first time.
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— CFL (@CFL) July 2, 2025
Lance isn’t the only former Cowboy on the CFL radar—ex-Dallas quarterback Ben DiNucci also appeared on the BC Lions’ negotiation list. For Lance, the CFL represents a lifeline, but it’s a far cry from the NFL stardom once predicted for the former first-round pick. His dual-threat skill set—blending mobility with a strong arm—makes him an intriguing fit for the wide-open, pass-heavy CFL game. Yet, the fact that he’s even being considered for the league underscores the gravity of his fall.
Despite the CFL’s interest, Lance remains focused on salvaging his NFL career. The one-year deal with the Chargers offers a final chance to prove he belongs in the league. His athleticism and raw talent suggest he could outshine his competition in the preseason, but the clock is ticking. Lance must show significant improvement over his lackluster Dallas performances, particularly his underwhelming Week 18 showing, to convince NFL teams he’s worth keeping.
If Lance fails to secure the QB2 role in Los Angeles, his NFL journey may come to an abrupt end. The Saskatchewan Roughriders stand ready to offer him a fresh start, but for a player once heralded as a generational talent, the prospect of playing in the CFL feels like a door slamming shut on his NFL dreams.
For the Cowboys, the decision to trade for Joe Milton III reflects a willingness to take risks on unproven talent. While Milton lacks Lance’s pedigree, his athleticism and arm strength offer untapped potential that Dallas hopes to mold into a reliable backup for Prescott. The move also signals the end of an era for Rush and Lance, whose departures leave the Cowboys’ quarterback room looking markedly different in 2025.
As Dallas prepares for the upcoming season, the spotlight will be on Milton to prove the front office’s gamble was worthwhile. Meanwhile, Trey Lance’s saga serves as a cautionary tale of squandered potential—a once-promising career now teetering on the edge of oblivion, with the CFL looming as his last resort.