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How Cooper Rush's departure could affect Cowboys' draft plans
The Dallas Cowboys should explore quarterback options in the 2025 NFL Draft after backup Cooper Rush's departure.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Rush agreed to a two-year, $12.2M deal with the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.
A new backup for Lamar Jackson: former Cowboys free-agent QB Cooper Rush reached agreement today on a two-year contract worth up to $12.2 million with the Baltimore Ravens, per me and @JFowlerESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2025
Deal negotiated by @EquitySports CEO Chris Cabott. pic.twitter.com/F1BdkK2zI4
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 fir st. 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.
More must-reads:
- Ex-Cowboys backup Cooper Rush heading to Ravens
- Cowboys reunite with veteran pass-rusher coming off 10.5-sack season
- The 'Previous head coach for each NFL team' quiz
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Reports: Red Sox Have 2 Options To Replace Walker Buehler
The Boston Red Sox ripped off the band-aid and made a difficult decision on Friday. There has been some chatter for a few weeks about the possibility of moving Walker Buehler out of the starting rotation. He actually has looked better lately than he did at the beginning of the season. But, his command was still shaky, including eight walks over his last 10 innings pitched, and Boston opted to move him out of the rotation. The Red Sox announced the decision on Friday, as shared by MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo. "Walker Buehler is going to the bullpen, Alex Cora announced," Cotillo said. "The starter for Monday is TBD. Cora said Buehler 'handled it like a professional.'" The Red Sox have two options to replace Walker Buehler Boston has two more games left in its series against the New York Yankees. Garrett Crochet is getting the ball on Saturday and will be followed by Dustin May on Sunday. On Monday, the Red Sox will begin a series against the Baltimore Orioles and this is when the club will have to make a decision. So, who could it be on the mound? Cotillo noted that Richard Fitts and Kyle Harrison are both options. "For Monday's outing, Richard Fitts and Kyle Harrison are the leading candidates to pitch," Cotillo said. "It'll likely depend on how the next few days go in NY. If Fitts pitches (in a multi-inning role), bet on Harrison to make that start. If not, Fitts is with the club and ready." Fitts is up with the team and it was initially reported that he was called up to help out in the bullpen. He hasn't been used out of the bullpen yet, so Monday certainly is a possibility. Harrison was the jewel of the Rafael Devers trade but hasn't made a start with Boston yet. Harrison has been down with the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox and has a 3.69 ERA in 10 starts. At some point, Harrison is going to be a big piece for this rotation. Could that start on Monday?
Steelers' Kenneth Gainwell Sends A New Eye-Opening Cryptic Message
The Pittsburgh Steelers have reshaped their running back room for the 2025 NFL season. With Najee Harris leaving in free agency and Cordarrelle Patterson released, Jaylen Warren is the lone returning back from 2024. Warren has totaled nearly 1,300 rushing yards over the past two years and is widely expected to assume the RB1 role following Harris’ departure. Competition is emerging however, as several newcomers are making strong cases for the starting job, and one running back recently sparked speculation with a cryptic post to Steelers fans on X. The Steelers signed Kenneth Gainwell to a one-year deal worth $1.79 million in March. Gainwell is entering his fifth year in the NFL out of Memphis, spending his first four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles backing up Miles Sanders, De'Andre Swift, and Saquon Barkley. Gainwell has always been a serviceable backup and third-down weapon, but he wants to be more than that in Pittsburgh. Gainwell took to X on Friday morning when rumors were conveniently swirling about who will be the Steelers' RB1 when they face the New York Jets in two weeks. "They gone find out real soon!!" Gainwell said via X. It's important to remember that Gainwell could be referring to many things here. The Steelers' running game has showed promise this offseason, but many pundits would argue there's still plenty of room for improvement. Gainwell could simply be referring to the room as a whole taking the league by storm in 2025. However, it would be no surprise if he were referring to himself as being the player to look out for in the Steel City. He has shown his capability of being an impact player so far in his NFL career and has a competitive spirit. Gainwell has rushed for 1,185 yards with 12 touchdowns in his career, to go along with 102 receptions for 721 yards. During his four seasons with the Eagles, Gainwell carved out a reputation as a reliable dual-threat option. Though often used in a rotational role, Gainwell proved that he was capable of producing in high-leverage moments. Steelers fans might recall the nasty spin-move that he put on Donte Jackson during Pittsburgh's 27-13 loss at Philadelphia last December. So is Gainwell now a candidate for the Steelers' starting running back spot in 2025, that's the real question. With recent rumors swirling of Warren being in danger getting benched due to ball security issues, the idea of someone else leading the Steelers' running back room doesn't seem so unrealistic. Warren has seven fumbles in his career so far, including four in 2023 alone. In the Steelers' recent preseason win over the Panthers, Warren put the ball on the ground during Pittsburgh's opening drive. Warren might be the most talented running back that the Steelers currently have, but with turnovers being a potential issue, it might not be a terrible idea to turn elsewhere to lead the way. Even if Warren does get benched however, does Gainwell take his place? The Steelers spent a third-round draft pick on Kaleb Johnson in April, and the expectations for him are sky high. Johnson rushed for 2,779 yards in three years at Iowa, and he did show some promise during the preseason, rushing for 94 yards on 23 carries. One area of uncertainty with Johnson's game is his pass protection abilities, simply due to the fact that Iowa did not throw the ball much while Johnson was there. Pass protection is an area where Gainwell could separate himself from Johnson in terms of competition. It will be key for the Steelers to protect four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers in 2025. With some uncertainty on the offensive line, the Steelers' running backs will need to be helpful in the pass protection game. Durability will also play a factor. Gainwell has remained relatively healthy throughout his career, only missing one game due to injury so far. Steelers' Gainwell Brings Experience And Success To Pittsburgh Along with pass protection and durability, Gainwell brings experience and success. The Eagles made it to two Super Bowls during Gainwell's tenure, winning one last season. The Steelers are looking to replicate the playoff success that Gainwell experienced in Philadelphia, and he could potentially help them reach that threshold.
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