The musings of Trey Lance slotting in behind Dak Prescott as the Dallas Cowboys’ No. 2 quarterback are now a far distant memory from the team’s time at training camp. Lance has not taken a snap since the preseason and it has been Cooper Rush filling in since Prescott went down with a season-ending hamstring injury.
Rush has gone 3-3 this season with some solid performances combined with some rough moments as well. If the Cowboys were still in the race for a spot in the NFC Playoffs, he may grade lower, but he has been satisfactory in getting this team to the end of the 2024 season.
Now the conversation as to who backs up the starting quarterback is of little not elsewhere in the league. But the odd Lance saga combined with Prescott’s injury make this an item of note for Dallas in the 2025 campaign.
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Rush and Lance are both set to hit the free agent market this offseason. The Cowboys declined the fifth year on Lance’s rookie deal and Rush’s two-year deal is set to expire.
The first question is if either will be in high demand for another team. Positionally, a move elsewhere would be a lateral one for Rush with potentially more money. Rush is a veteran quarterback who can take care of the ball, but does not “wow” on the tape.
Lance has an intriguing skillset, but has not really showcased much of anything since his time in Dallas. He may still be in a developmental spot if he leaves The Star.
Turning to the Cowboys needs, they will want a good insurance policy in the case that Prescott suffers another injury. He has sustained two season-ending injuries in the last five years and missed considerable time in a third.
For the right price, the best option would be Rush who has played a decent sample in Mike McCarthy‘s offense and is familiar with the position.
Rush has essentially established that he’s a $2 million a year guy or something just above that.
Lance has some familiarity, but the team’s hesitation to give him a chance down the stretch or award him the original backup spot leaves serious doubt about their long-term interest for him.
Lance has established nothing in terms of his future contract.
If they retain neither, the Cowboys still need to shore up the No. 2 job behind Prescott before the 2025 season. Hopefully, luck falls more on their side next time around and Prescott can stay on the field, making the conversation of his understudy an afterthought.
