Trey Lance finds 'breath of fresh air' moving on with Cowboys - ESPN

FRISCO, Texas — Trey Lance is still getting accustomed to his new surroundings, but he is glad to be with the Dallas Cowboys after a trade from the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday.

«I really tried to not expect anything one way or another, but I can say that when I heard 'Cowboys,' I had a big smile on my face,» Lance said. «I was very excited to be here.»

When the Niners selected him with the third overall pick in 2021, giving up three first-round picks to the Miami Dolphins to move up from the No. 12 spot, Lance expected to have a long career in San Francisco. He played just eight games, the fewest a top-five pick has played for the franchise he made his debut with in the common draft era (since 1967 and excluding the 2023 draft class), according to ESPN Stats & Information. In two seasons, Lance completed 56 of 102 passes for 797 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions.

«It's not how I expected it to go. It's not how I think a lot of people expected it to go,» Lance said. «But I believe that everything happens for a reason. I think I'm here for a reason. Regardless of what it is, just want to try to find a way to help the team.»

After being informed the Niners were making Sam Darnold the backup to starter Brock Purdy, Lance was allowed time to gather his thoughts as the 49ers worked on a potential trade, picking up a 2024 fourth-round pick from the Cowboys.

«I'm kinda really trying to move on, but yeah, it definitely took some time,» Lance said. «That conversation obviously wasn't something I wanted to hear, but that's the reality of the situation. Nothing but respect and gratitude for everyone there — coaching staff, locker room, athletic training staff, everyone I spent a ton of time with these last few