The Dallas Cowboys’ 2024 season was a complete mess from the start. It could effectively be put out of its misery on Sunday, possibly before Dallas even takes the field. As part of Sunday Night Football, the Cowboys could be officially eliminated from the playoffs if Washington can beat Philadelphia earlier in the day. If so, then the direction of who should see the field in the final three weeks is likely to change.

And that could impact whether or not Trey Lance sees the field on Sunday night.

The off-season was an insane experience for the fan base, as the club not only failed to avoid signing ineffective outside agents, but also failed to bring back many of their own agents. With contract extensions from their biggest stars Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons looming, the coaching staff was all at lame duck status.

Overall, it has caused several fans to lose interest in the brand. However, one thing that united fans, especially with Prescott’s upcoming 2025 year (at the time), was whether or not Lance had what it took to be the next franchise quarterback. Lance was acquired near the end of the 2023 offseason and didn’t play that year, so no one really knew what to expect from the former No. 3 overall pick, for whom the Cowboys traded a 2024 fourth-round pick.

With head coach Mike McCarthy avoiding playing his stars in the preseason, Lance got plenty of snaps in exhibitions and did relatively well until the final appearance when he bombed. He really hasn’t been seen since, further frustrating fans in a lost season that saw Prescott sidelined with injury.

Nothing illustrated that animosity more than in Week 11, when McCarthy refused to allow Lance a snap in a disastrous loss to the Houston Texans, where Cooper Rush was struggling.

Now, with elimination imminent, the theme returns. Over the last month or so, owner Jerry Jones has hinted that McCarthy may not be finished as head coach. Don’t believe it.

McCarthy and his staff are likely gone and therefore have no vested interest in playing guys, giving the front office and next coaching staff a better understanding of what they might have.

Lance is a free agent, as is current starter Cooper Rush in 2025. Rush’s ceiling is obvious; The offense is ridiculously downgraded due to his limited arm talent and lack of athleticism. Lance offers advantages in this regard as he is nowhere near the polish or experience that Rush brings to the table.

With the season officially over before they step on the field, fans will be hoping Lance gets a chance to show what he can do.