Lance: 'I had a big smile on my face' after learning about Cowboys trade

Trey Lance addressed the recent trade that sent him from the San Francisco 49ers to the Dallas Cowboys for the first time, saying he's happy with the change of scenery.

"When I heard Cowboys, I had a big smile on my face," the quarterback said Tuesday, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic.

Dallas acquired Lance last week in exchange for a fourth-round pick, ending the signal-caller's disappointing stint with San Francisco.

Lance entered the NFL surrounded by high expectations after being drafted No. 3 overall in 2021. After backing up Jimmy Garoppolo for most of his rookie campaign, the North Dakota State product started 2022 as QB1 before suffering a season-ending ankle injury in Week 2. The 23-year-old attempted just 102 passes in two years with the 49ers.

"I learned a ton. ... just very thankful for everyone there," Lance said of his time with the Niners, according to ESPN's Todd Archer. "It's not how I expected it to go. It's not how I think a lot of people expected it to go. 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."

"I've got to learn and earn every opportunity I get," he added, according to Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News.

Lance, who plans to wear No. 15 moving forward, is now part of a quarterback depth chart headlined by two-time Pro Bowler Dak Prescott. Dallas also rosters Cooper Rush, who went 4-1 while replacing an injured Prescott in 2022.

"(Prescott) welcomed me with open arms," Lance said of Prescott, per Machota. "That meant a lot to me. Just tons and tons of respect for him."

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones recently said the Lance trade isn't about Prescott, who's expected to begin negotiating a new contract soon. Jones added that the move makes sense for his team both short and long term.