While Micah Parsons and others want to finish the 2024 season on a high note, Sunday’s regular season finale should be all about evaluation for the Dallas Cowboys.

In a perfect world, the Cowboys would sit most of their starters against Washington and let their second-, third- and fourth-stringers take centerstage. While fans may not want to hear that, just imagine the backlash if Parsons, Tyler Smith or DaRon Bland suffered a major injury that alters their outlook for next season.

It is admittedly hard to coach with that mindset. Regardless, though, everyone and their mother wants to see Trey Lance start under center in place of Cooper Rush. While Rush has performed admirably since taking over the offense, Sunday marks Dallas’ last chance to see Lance in a game setting before he reaches free agency.

Given Rush has reached his ceiling, the Cowboys have nothing to lose by starting Lance against the Commanders. As it turns out, though, Rush would have something to lose in that scenario.

Cowboys likely won’t play Trey Lance in Week 18 thanks to Cooper Rush’s contract

Rush will get $500,000 in incentives if he plays 55% of the snaps this season. He enters the final week having played 52.5% of the snaps. That means he’ll need to play most, if not all, of the game to reach the incentive. If not, he will only earn $250,000 for playing 45% of the snaps.

According to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas averages 68 offensive snaps per game. If Rush plays all 68 snaps Sunday, he’ll be at 55.1% for the season, which would give him the $500K incentive.

This is bad news for Lance.

Rush has started all eight games since Prescott went down. With half-a-million dollars on the line, there is no reason to think the 31-year-old won’t be under center against the Commanders. This franchise likes to do right by its players and Rush has been a lifetime Cowboy.

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If Dallas was willing to part ways with Ezekiel Elliott after Elliott requested his release to hopefully latch on with a contender before the playoffs, odds are they will start Rush and play him a full complement of snaps to help him earn an extra pay day before he reaches free agency.

In addition to being a serviceable backup, Rush has been a consummate professional throughout his Cowboys tenure. With 500k hanging in the balance, it would only make sense that Dallas does him the service of starting him in what could be his final game with the organization.

While great for Rush (if it happens), it means Lance will enter free agency having attempted seven passes in three games for the Cowboys since he was acquired last August for a fourth-round pick.