FRISCO, Texas — Perhaps this sounds familiar, but a chapter is concluding in Dallas. While it might not match the impact of DeMarcus Lawrence’s retirement and his … well … debated … exit, Cooper Rush’s contributions to the Cowboys don’t quite justify such dramatic language, as he now heads to the Baltimore Ravens during the 2025 free agency.

Rush is anticipated to serve as the backup for Lamar Jackson, according to several reports, including those from NFL Network, on a two-year contract valued at approximately $12.2 million. This decision closes his seven-year tenure with the Cowboys, interrupted only briefly by a stint with the New York Giants in 2020 before he returned to Dallas later that year.

Being an effective QB2 in the NFL is noteworthy since it demands readiness to step in at any moment to prevent the offense from collapsing due to the absence of the starting quarterback. Few have honed this skill as adeptly as Rush.

Since joining the Cowboys as an undrafted player in 2017, he’s consistently been the reliable presence behind All-Pro quarterback Dak Prescott, frequently overcoming all competition. Whenever Prescott was sidelined by injury, Rush stepped up to either maintain the Cowboys’ winning momentum, like his 4-1 record in 2022, or to stabilize the team as he did in 2024 — achieving a career-best 1,844 yards and 12 touchdowns with only five interceptions.

As one of the most proficient backup quarterbacks in the league, Rush arguably sets the bar for the QB2 position, leaving the Cowboys now tasked with finding his successor.