How Cooper Rush's departure could affect Cowboys' draft plans

Cowboys starting QB Dak Prescott is entering the second year of a four-year, $240M deal in 2025, but Rush leaving Dallas creates a roster hole.

Rush proved to be a dependable backup when Prescott suffered a right thumb injury in 2022 and a hamstring injury in 2024. During this span, Rush had an 8-5 starting record. 

The only other QB on Dallas' roster is Will Grier, who had a 0-2 record in two seasons with the Carolina Panthers.

In a February interview with David Moore of The Dallas Morning News, Cowboys chief operating officer and co-owner Stephen Jones hinted they will not re-sign free-agent QB Trey Lance and will draft one instead. 

"You know, I think one of our goals is to get a young quarterback in the draft," Jones told Moore (h/t Pro Football Talk's Josh Alper). "I don't know where that's going to be. That's why we gave a [fourth-round pick] for Trey. It seems like all the quarterbacks, even guys we have in the fourth round, go in the first. They always go so much higher than you think."

The Cowboys have pick No. 12 in the first round, but don't expect them to take one there. Dallas clearly has multiple needs after it went 7-10 in 2024.

Still, other intriguing options may be available on Day 2 or 3 of the draft. On his X account, The Athletic's Chase Daniel — a former backup QB for the Saints and Chargers — suggested Dallas target Alabama QB Jalen Milroe or Syracuse QB Kyle McCord. 

Milroe (6-foot-2, 217 pounds) had 36 TDs (16 passing and 20 rushing) in 13 starts in 2024. Meanwhile, McCord (6-foot-3, 218 pounds) finished fifth in the FBS in TD passes (34 in 13 games). 

Regardless, finding a reliable backup QB is pivotal for the Cowboys. Prescott — who turns 32 on July 29 — may not be as durable as he once was.