The Dallas Cowboys have three quarterbacks signed through 2024, but they also need to make a long-term decision regarding Trey Lance’s future. This has some wondering if the team should cut Cooper Rush and turn to Lance as the backup quarterback. Rush hasn’t played a snap for the Cowboys since the team traded a fourth round pick to the San Francisco 49ers in 2023. Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report thinks Dallas should trade or cut Rush to free up some cap space. The analyst says it “just doesn’t make sense” to take on Rush’s expense while having Lance on the roster. Additionally, cutting Rush opens up the possibility of seeing what the franchise can do.
In an article titled “Cowboys’ Potential Trade, Cut Candidates After 2024 NFL Draft,” published on May 8, 2024, Ballentine mentioned that Cooper Rush “might not have much trade value, but he did come through for the Cowboys in 2022.” Two years ago, he started five games as a backup, finishing 4-1 and tossing five touchdown passes to just two interceptions.
In the end, they kept Cooper Rush and Lance on the playing field. It is now easier for NFL clubs to hold onto developing quarterbacks due to a new rule that allows them to carry a third backup quarterback without using up a 53-man roster slot. However, the Cowboys can clear the cap and save $2.3 million by releasing or selling Rush.
“It just doesn’t make sense to pass on that kind of cap savings, especially considering how tight the Cowboys’ budget is right now and how Lance has had a year to learn the offense and fill in for Prescott if he gets hurt.”
Rush signed a two-year, $5 million contract, but by NFL standards, he is not very pricey. With Lance on the team, the veteran seems a little unnecessary. Rush’s 2024 cap hit is $2.87 million.
With a $5.3 million cap hit this season, Lance is more costly. The quarterback’s $34.1 million, four-year rookie contract is about to expire.
Dallas turned down Lance’s costly 2025 fifth-year option, which would have resulted in a $22.4 million cap charge. Although Lance will be a free agent after the season, this does not stop the Cowboys from re-signing him.
In 2025, Lance, Rush, and Dak Prescott will all be available as free agents. In the event that the Cowboys are successful in signing Prescott to a contract extension, his situation may alter.
It is improbable that Rush would receive a substantial return through trading. However, Dallas might be able to acquire the veteran for a late-round selection at the very least.
It is known that Rush attracted attention in the 2023 free agency window prior to his eventual return to the Cowboys. Two teams that expressed interest in signing Rush were the Cincinnati Bengals and the Las Vegas Raiders, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer.
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