The Cowboys got a preview of playing without Dak Prescott in the 2024 season after putting the star quarterback on injured reserve due to a season-ending hamstring injury.
Due to his contract circumstances, Prescott will remain in place, but alterations in Dallas’ quarterback situation are on the horizon with free agency and the 2025 NFL draft approaching.
The Cowboys have 25 upcoming free agents, among them quarterbacks Cooper Rush and Trey Lance, when the new league year begins next month. According to Stephen Jones, the Cowboys’ chief operating officer and co-owner, it’s possible that neither will come back to Dallas. This implies that the draft creates an opportunity for a new quarterback.
“You know, I believe one of our objectives is to acquire a young quarterback in the draft,” Jones stated through the Dallas Morning News. “I’m unsure of where that will take place.” That’s the reason we traded a [fourth-round pick] for Trey. It appears that all the quarterbacks, including those we have in the fourth round, are selected in the first. “They consistently rise far beyond your expectations.”
As both backups prepare to enter free agency, the Cowboys and new head coach Brian Schottenheimer will turn to April’s draft to find a player to support Prescott.
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“We aimed for Trey and wished to accomplish that,” Jones stated.
Lance, who was obtained by the team from the 49ers in exchange for a fourth-round pick before the 2023 season, stepped in as the backup following Prescott’s injury. Jones mentioned that Lance is “likely seeking something else” after spending two years as the third-string quarterback in Dallas.
Rush stepped into the starting position after Prescott’s injury, much like in 2022 when he had five starts after Prescott fractured his thumb. Rush had a record of 4-1 in those starts in 2022 and 4-4 in eight games during 2024.
Jones admitted they might not afford Rush in free agency, stating they “simply don’t know what his cost will be.”
“When we’re compensating Dak at his current rate, regrettably, we must cut costs in that area,” he stated.
Dallas inked Prescott to a long-term deal, indicating the starting quarterback position probably isn’t open for competition in 2025.
It’s important to mention that while the Cowboys are seeking a possible backup quarterback on Day 2 or 3 of this year’s draft, Prescott was selected in the fourth round and ended up starting in his rookie season.
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