Dak Prescott Bids Farewell to Longtime Teammate Cooper Rush

A New Chapter for Cooper Rush

The Dallas Cowboys are preparing for a new era as longtime backup quarterback Cooper Rush departs for the Baltimore Ravens. After spending nearly eight years with the Cowboys, Rush has signed a two-year deal worth up to $12.2 million with Baltimore, where he is expected to serve as Lamar Jackson’s primary backup.

Rush first joined the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2017, carving out a reputation as a dependable presence behind Dak Prescott. Over the years, he proved his value by stepping in when needed, posting an impressive 9-5 record as a starter. His contributions helped stabilize the team during Prescott’s absences, amassing 3,463 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and a 60.7% completion rate across 14 starts.

Dak Prescott’s Heartfelt Goodbye

Prescott and Rush shared a strong bond over the years, making the departure bittersweet. As news broke of Rush’s move to Baltimore, Prescott took to social media to express his gratitude and admiration for his former teammate.

“Good luck brother,” Prescott wrote on Instagram, accompanied by a heart emoji, a simple yet heartfelt message that underscores the respect and friendship they built over their years together in Dallas.

Who Will Step Up as Prescott’s Backup?

With Rush no longer in the mix, the Cowboys face a pressing question: who will serve as Dak Prescott’s backup for the upcoming season?

Currently, Will Grier is the only other quarterback on the roster, while former first-round pick Trey Lance is expected to depart in free agency. Dallas acquired Lance in 2023 for a fourth-round pick, hoping he could develop into a viable option, but his limited playing time suggests he may be looking for a fresh start elsewhere.

Cowboys Chief Operating Officer and co-owner Stephen Jones acknowledged the challenge of replacing Rush, hinting that the team might look to the draft for a young quarterback.

“One of our goals is to get a young quarterback in the draft,” Jones told The Dallas Morning News. “We don’t know where that’s going to be, but we need to have depth at that position.”

The last time the Cowboys drafted a quarterback was in 2020, when they selected Ben DiNucci in the seventh round. With the NFL Draft approaching, Dallas appears eager to address this need.

Dak Prescott’s Road to Recovery

As the Cowboys prepare for the future, Prescott himself is focused on recovery. The star quarterback suffered a season-ending hamstring injury on November 3, which required surgery. Despite the setback, Prescott is confident he will be ready for the Cowboys’ season opener.

“I’m not gonna put a timeline on it, but I’ll be ready for the first game and when anything matters. I’m feeling good, doing more and more. The last two weeks have been huge and progressive for me,” Prescott assured reporters.

Even before his injury, Prescott’s 2024 season was a mixed bag, throwing for 1,978 yards, 11 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. As he returns to action, he will be stepping into a Cowboys team undergoing significant changes, most notably under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer.

A New Era Under Brian Schottenheimer

Schottenheimer, who previously served as the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator, now takes over as head coach following Mike McCarthy’s departure. His leadership will bring a fresh perspective to the team, with an emphasis on maximizing Prescott’s strengths and ensuring the Cowboys remain competitive in the NFC.

With Cooper Rush moving on, Dak Prescott recovering, and a new head coach leading the way, the Dallas Cowboys are entering a period of transition. As the team works to fill its roster gaps and solidify its quarterback depth, fans are eager to see how this new chapter unfolds in the 2025 season.