The Miami Dolphins are facing significant challenges just five games into the 2024 season, primarily due to the absence of starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, whose return remains uncertain heading into Week 6. With Tagovailoa’s status unclear, the Dolphins may be exploring trade options to secure a reliable quarterback, and some analysts believe that the Dallas Cowboys could provide the solution.
In a recent article by CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin, a trade was proposed between the Dolphins and Cowboys, which would send backup quarterback Trey Lance to Miami. After being taken third overall in the 2021 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, Lance’s tenure in San Francisco was marked by unmet expectations, leading to his eventual trade to the Cowboys last season. However, he has yet to find significant playing time in Dallas, where he currently sits third on the depth chart behind Cooper Rush.
Benjamin’s proposal centers on Miami’s need for a more capable backup to weather the uncertainty surrounding Tagovailoa’s return. As of now, the Dolphins have relied on Tyler Huntley and Skylar Thompson, but both quarterbacks have struggled to provide effective performances in Tagovailoa’s absence. This has raised concerns about whether the team can stay competitive without a more viable option under center.
Though Trey Lance is a potential trade target, his history raises questions about his reliability as an upgrade for Miami. Lance has only appeared in eight NFL games and hasn’t played since the 2022 season. His career statistics, including a completion rate of just 54.9% and five touchdowns to three interceptions, paint the picture of a player who has yet to find his footing in the league. Additionally, injury issues have plagued his young career, making him a risky choice for a team seeking stability.
Despite these concerns, there are reasons to believe that Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel could bring out the best in Lance. McDaniel was part of the 49ers’ coaching staff when San Francisco drafted Lance, giving him familiarity with the young quarterback’s skill set. If anyone can help Lance reach his potential, it might be McDaniel, and acquiring him for a low-risk, late-round draft pick—likely a sixth- or seventh-rounder—might be worth the gamble for Miami.
While the Cowboys don’t seem to view Lance as a crucial part of their future, his talent and potential could still be unlocked in the right system. For Miami, trading for him could provide the quarterback depth they need to survive until Tagovailoa returns, while offering Lance a fresh opportunity to prove himself in the NFL.
