(Note: The content provided is based on the opinions and perspectives of the DallasCowboys.com editorial staff, not the Cowboys football staff or organization.)
Frisco, Texas — Dak Prescott isn't going anywhere in 2024, so let's start by flushing that thought out of the toilet of our minds. This brings us to the more important QB question relevant to the Dallas Cowboys: what's going on behind Walter Payton, currently a three-time Pro Bowler and 2023 Man of the Year. can focus on.
Cooper Rush did his job in 2021 and again in 2022, but thankfully he wasn't asked to be on the field in 2023 due to Prescott's injury and only appeared in the fourth quarter after the Cowboys had built a commanding lead. Participated in several games.
However, Trey Lance never appeared in a game. This not only begs the question of what will happen internally at QB2 in 2024, but also whether there's even a slight chance the Cowboys will look on the outside to see if there's a player they might find intriguing. give birth to call.
Among other positions that will be reached as this 10-part series progresses, QB2 is worth discussing because there's still a lot left unanswered.
for your information: *Be sure to check out the entire “What’s Next?”*” As an introductory book to the series.
Cooper Rush: The term “security blanket” is thrown around a lot in the NFL, and Dallas' rush fits that description perfectly. A longtime backup to Prescott, this was the only time he was sent away from the club — after leaving the Cowboys, he briefly signed with the New York Giants at the behest of offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. – Rush returned to North Texas where he realized he was finally right.
That's because head coach Mike McCarthy knows what he can get from a steady hand on the rush. Rush is a QB that isn't too low or too high, probably doesn't hurt the game, and at the same time provides enough vitality to win a game. Pinch (e.g. against the Minnesota Vikings in 2021).
That being said, his latest round of competition has arrived.
Trey Lance: Will Grier has a good chance of dethroning the rushing champion, and he was on track to be dethroned in 2022 until a groin injury during training camp completely derailed his plans. Grier was given another chance in 2023, but things didn't go his way and the decision was made to acquire Lance – and Grier shined in his final preseason outing against the Seahawks. I took part in the event.
Lance joined the team as a former top-three NFL Draft pick, but he was unable to earn a spot on the 49ers' active roster over Brock Purdy, Sam Darnold and undrafted rookie quarterback Brandon Allen. In his first year, he was demoted to QB2 duties following Jimmy Garoppolo.
Can he re-emerge as a strong talent under the guidance of McCarthy and Prescott?It's certainly possible, but the fact that it's not guaranteed and The reality of Lance Also Entering a contract year means at least scanning the outside banks is a smart move.
Note: These players will have their restrictions lifted on March 13th unless they have signed a new contract with their current team before that date.
Ryan Tannehill: At first glance it felt like this might be a bit of a reach, but then you factor in the fact that Tynehill will be 36 next season and believe his days as a starter are over. That said, that doesn't mean he isn't worthy of being a backup, which is why I put him at the top of this list.
Considering Tannehill could be valuable as a potential upgrade to the rusher and as insurance in case Lance doesn't progress as expected as the Cowboys ramp up efforts in their QB development program. It will also happen. . The fact that I'm interested in this means there might be something to consider there.
And perhaps that will help grease the wheels in free agency for a running back in Nashville.
Gardner Minshew: This feels like a bit of a sweet spot given the balance of age and experience. Because Mustache will still be 28 years old when the 2024 season begins, but he still has 37 regular-season starts since entering the league in 2019, and that's something. None of the quarterbacks listed above can boast.
There was a time not too long ago when “Minshew Mania” swept the NFL and even took the Jacksonville Jaguars by storm, but for most of his recent activity with the Indianapolis Colts, he hasn't been that bad. There wasn't. He became the starter after Anthony Richardson was injured late in the season. As such, it's conceivable that Minshew could be viewed as young insurance, perhaps giving Lance an opportunity to fill that role at QB2.
Jacoby Brissett: Yeah, so we don't know what Ron Rivera and Eric Bieniemy had planned for Washington's QB position, but that's one reason neither of them have been hired by the manager yet. That's clear. It was strange to keep forcing the ball into Sam Howell's hands, especially considering Brissett had shown the ability to step in and be competitive.
Brissett didn't start, threw three touchdowns, had no interceptions, was never sacked and even hit the game-winning drive. He is older than Minshew but younger than Tannehill, started 48 games in the regular season, and his playing style closely mirrors Prescott's. That means he can plug and play better than anyone except maybe Lance.
Honorable mention: Jameis Winston – Keep this simple with “no thank you.”
