Cowboys Could Make $2.9 Million Move at Quarterback: Analyst

The Dallas Cowboys could make a move at quarterback this offseason.

With the team facing salary cap issues entering the offseason — they’re $11 million in the red in cap space — there will likely

be cap casualties for the Cowboys. One of those players pitched as a potential cap casualty is none other than quarterback Cooper Rush.

According to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, the Cowboys could move on from Rush — his cap hit is $2.9 million for the

2024 season — and save $2.3 million. His dead cap hit would only be $625K if the Cowboys released him this offseason.

The Cowboys need all the cap space they can get, so removing Rush would only save $2.3 million in cap space.

Still, it’s an easy cut to rationalise.

“It’s highly likely that Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb will get extensions in 2024 as they approach the last year of their current contracts.”

Why Cooper Rush is a Valuable Cowboys Backup

The 30-year-old Rush joined the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2017 and has since served as a reliable backup for the team.

During his first five seasons, Rush played little and started just one game. But in 2022, he made a breakthrough as a

replacement for an injured Dak Prescott in five games at the beginning of the season.

Rush finished both starts with a 4-1 record, salvaged the Cowboys’ season (they went on to make the playoffs), and finished

with an 80.0 passer rating while throwing five touchdowns against three interceptions.

Prescott’s 3.8% interception rate, which was the lowest in the NFL, was greatly inferior to his 1.9% interception percentage.

Rush signed a $6 million two-year contract with the Cowboys this past offseason as a result of his productive season.

Trey Lance’s Presence Could Lead to Cowboys Releasing Cooper Rush

With that being said, the acquisition of former No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance in a preseason trade with the San Francisco 49ers may spell the end for Rush.

“However, last offseason’s trade for San Francisco 49ers signal-caller and former first-round pick Trey Lance makes Rush somewhat expendable,” writes Knox.

“If Dallas doesn’t believe it can develop Lance into a capable long-term backup, then dealing a fourth-round pick to secure him was a waste.”

Lance doesn’t appear to be a threat to Prescott’s gig as the starting quarterback, but he should present a threat to Rush’s longtime role as a backup.

Although he didn’t take a single snap during the 2023 season, there are some expectations for Lance considering the

Cowboys gave up a fourth-round pick in order to acquire him.

“We view it as an opportunity that could pay dividends this year and will pay dividends (long term),” Jones said regarding the Lance trade back in August, via Jon Machota of The Athletic.

With one year remaining on his contract, Lance will be making $5.3 million in his final year of his rookie deal.

Lance has experience starting for the Niners, going 2-2 in four starts with five touchdowns against three interceptions, 797 passing yards, an 84.5 passer rating, and 235 rushing yards.

It’s clear that he lacks game experience in the Cowboys’ scheme.

It wouldn’t be shocking at all if the Cowboys saved a few million dollars by trading for Rush and elevating Lance to the

position of starting backup quarterback in light of the impending contract extensions that Prescott and CeeDee Lamb need to sign.

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