Who Should I Start? Trey Lance or Anthony Richardson

Wednesday, May 1, 8:55 PM

The Dallas Cowboys will decline to pick up the fifth-year option on quarterback Trey Lance, according to a source. The move isn't a surprise at all after the decision was essentially made last August when Dallas acquired him from the San Francisco 49ers for a 2024 fourth-round pick. Lance's 2025 option would have cost the Cowboys a fully guaranteed $22.4 million. The Cowboys don't have a QB on their roster signed beyond the 2024 season, with Dak Prescott, Lance and Cooper Rush all set for unrestricted free agency next March. They cannot use the franchise tag on Prescott and haven't started serious talks on an extension. Lance will make $5.31 million in base salary in 2024 as part of the fully guaranteed, $34.1 million deal he signed with the Niners as the third overall pick in 2021. Dallas liked the progress Lance made in 2023, but he was inactive for every game.

Thursday, May 2, 12:13 AM

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson will be more aware of the speed and violence of the football game around him so that he can better protect himself heading into his second pro season, offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter told members of the media. Richardson was the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft but made just four starts as a rookie before he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. Richardson's physicality and athleticism helped him become a top pick and budding NFL star, but these same qualities likely made him more susceptible to injury, too. Cooter's comments should provide Colts fans and fantasy managers with some optimism that Richardson can stay healthy in 2024. At the same time, though, they also suggest that Richardson may tone down his physicality, which could lead to fewer rushing yards and touchdowns, as well as more sacks. Fantasy managers should view the Indianapolis signal-caller as a fringe QB1 heading into drafts.