USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Allen has been the Bengals' backup quarterback for the past three seasons, but Cincinnati reportedly got close to adding competition for him in recent weeks.

"From the sound of things," Nick Eatman wrote for the Dallas team site. "The Cowboys got pretty lucky that he (Rush) returned. He was getting close to taking another offer with either the Raiders or Bengals. But I don't think he ever really wanted to leave. And sometimes, just comfort alone is hard to beat. Cooper Rush is a solid backup that is a proven winner."

Dallas re-signed him to a two-year, $5 million deal.

Rush was a palatable option in relief of an injured Dak Prescott last season. He helped Dallas beat the Bengals in Week 2 during a stretch of five starts.

The Cowboys went 4-1 guided by Rush, with its only loss coming against the NFC Champion Eagles. Rush threw for 956 yards on 58% completion during the stretch, with 5 touchdown passes and 3 interceptions.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Timberwolves mount incredible second-half comeback to stun Nuggets in Game 7
Watch: NASCAR drivers exchange punches after crash in All-Star Race
Knicks star offers passionate defense of HC Tom Thibodeau after Game 7 loss
Xander Schauffele proves doubters wrong with historic win at 2024 PGA Championship
Canucks won't have linchpin forward for Game 7 vs. Oilers
Pacers ride historic shooting performance to Game 7 blowout of Knicks
Watch: Aaron Judge blasts 13th home run in Yankees' seventh straight win
Knicks' Jalen Brunson suffers serious injury in Game 7 vs. Pacers
Phil Foden lifts Manchester City to fourth consecutive English Premier League title
Dodgers add recently acquired left-hander to active roster
Report: 2023 No. 7 pick expected to terminate KHL contract, join Flyers
Mavericks advance to Western Conference Finals aided by controversial call late
Connor McDavid, Oilers hammer Canucks to force Game 7
Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk epic increases excitement for potential rematch
Seize the Grey wins in muddy Preakness
Even Mike Budenholzer admits the Suns need a point guard
Watch: Juan Soto's first multi-homer game as a Yankee
Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa lead at PGA Championship
Knicks could get major boost for Game 7 showdown with Pacers
Giants All-Star pitcher suffers setback in recovery from injury

Want more Bengals news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.