The time for deliberation has passed. There are no more excuses, no more justifications, and no more reasons to delay. The Dallas Cowboys must start Trey Lance at quarterback. With the season effectively over and no playoff hopes remaining, the team is at a critical juncture where strategic evaluation outweighs short-term victories. This is not just an opportunity—it’s a necessity.

The Current Landscape

The Cowboys are mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. Their fate is sealed as the third-place finisher in the NFC East, with no chance to rise or fall in the standings. Their final two games carry no implications beyond pride and the potential to slightly adjust their position in the upcoming draft. Yet, within these seemingly inconsequential games lies a golden opportunity to shape the team’s future.

The decision to start Trey Lance now transcends mere experimentation. It’s about planning for the future, understanding the talent on hand, and making informed choices about the team’s direction at quarterback. This is a crossroads moment that the Cowboys cannot afford to squander.

A Known Commodity in Cooper Rush

Cooper Rush has been a dependable backup quarterback for Dallas. He’s demonstrated competence, stepping in when needed and keeping the team afloat. Rush excels at executing quick passes and checkdowns, often serving as a stabilizing presence. His performance in the recent win against Tampa Bay even evoked shades of Cowboys lore, channeling the spirit of Clint Longley from the 1970s.

However, Rush’s limitations are clear. While he is a steady hand, he is not the kind of quarterback who can single-handedly take over a game or elevate a team to championship contention. Dallas has seen enough of Rush to know what he brings to the table: reliability but not transcendence. At 31 years old, like Dak Prescott, Rush’s ceiling is established. Continuing to start him serves no long-term purpose for a team looking to retool and rebuild.

The Unseen Potential of Trey Lance

Trey Lance, acquired for a fourth-round pick from the San Francisco 49ers, represents a high-upside gamble. His tenure in Dallas has been quiet—too quiet. Lance has played sparingly, with limited opportunities to showcase his abilities. In two games this season, his stats are underwhelming: a 4-for-6 passing performance for 21 yards and an interception. These numbers, however, tell an incomplete story. Without meaningful playing time in a regular-season context, it’s impossible to accurately assess Lance’s potential.

At just 24 years old, Lance still has time to grow and develop into a starting-caliber quarterback. Unlike Rush, whose career trajectory is firmly established, Lance remains an enigma with untapped potential. Giving him the reins for the final two games of the season allows the Cowboys to evaluate whether he has the tools to be a long-term asset or if he’s a player they can let walk in free agency.

The Financial and Strategic Implications

The quarterback position is not just about talent—it’s also about economics. Both Rush and Lance are set to become unrestricted free agents after this season. Rush, with his solid performances, will likely command a higher price on the open market. Retaining him as a backup may be financially challenging, especially given the team’s tight budget for next year, as recently highlighted by executive vice president Stephen Jones.

Lance, on the other hand, presents a more affordable option. If Dallas believes in his potential, they could sign him to a modest contract and continue his development. Conversely, if Lance fails to impress in these last two games, the Cowboys can let him walk and prepare to draft Prescott’s eventual successor in 2025.

The Case for Drafting a Successor

The Cowboys’ long-term quarterback strategy must also come into focus. Prescott, while a capable starter, has faced three injury-shortened seasons in the past five years. Although he’s under contract through 2028, his durability and performance trends raise questions about his ability to lead the team deep into the future.

If neither Rush nor Lance proves to be a viable heir apparent, Dallas must consider drafting a quarterback in 2025. This approach has been successful for other franchises, such as Green Bay, where grooming a young quarterback behind an established starter has yielded positive results. However, the only way to determine whether Lance might already be that player is to give him the chance to prove himself now.

The Verdict: Start Trey Lance

Starting Lance for the final two games is not just a reasonable choice—it’s the only logical one. The Cowboys have nothing to lose and everything to gain. These games provide a no-pressure environment for Lance to demonstrate his capabilities. If he performs well, he could solidify his place as Prescott’s backup or even his eventual successor. If he falters, the team gains clarity and can move forward with a focused plan.

The Dallas Cowboys are at a pivotal moment. It’s time to stop playing it safe and start playing smart. Trey Lance deserves his shot, and the Cowboys owe it to themselves—and their fans—to find out if he can be a cornerstone for their future. The clock is ticking, and the time to act is now.