PALM BEACH, Fla. – The backup quarterback position's importance has grown steadily around the league in recent years, especially in Dallas where Dak Prescott has missed a total of 26 games over the last five seasons.
This offseason, it's a position the Cowboys will need to address after losing Cooper Rush to the Baltimore Ravens in free agency. Rush started 14 games for the Cowboys in the last four seasons, including eight in the 2024 season when Prescott was lost for the year with a hamstring injury.
Cowboys COO and co-owner Stephen Jones was asked about how Dallas is looking to fill the void and hinted at the possibility of a trade still being on the table.
"Yes, still an option that we're looking at…" Jones said. "We can do it via trade, we can do it via what's available out there… trade is one of them and certainly signing available guys are one of them."
One of those available guys is Trey Lance, who the Cowboys traded a fourth round pick for in 2022. Lance started the final game of the season for Dallas in 2024 against the Washington Commanders, where he threw for 244 yards and no touchdowns in a 23-19 loss. His rookie contract has expired, and Lance still remains on the market as an unrestricted free agent.
When it comes to what traits or qualities the Cowboys may be looking for in their backup, historically they haven't tried to find a player that mirrors more or less what Prescott can do. For example, Cooper Rush's legs weren't as much of a threat as Prescott's were, and that keeps Dallas' preferences open and broad.
"I think we look at the full package, you're probably not going to get all things just right or exactly what you want," Jones said. "But at the same time, you want to get the very best guy that we think gives us the best chance to go out and compete with [Will] Grier and be good in that room with Dak and Grier and whoever else we add."
The third option that the Cowboys have to acquire their backup is the NFL Draft next month, something that Jones has already expressed interest in the past.
"You're always wanting to have a young guy coming, that's always a preference," Jones said in February. "Certainly, that's something we'll look at in the draft is to see if there's a young guy to start bringing along."
The goal is always, of course, is to have Prescott on the field fully healthy all season and playing at a high level like he did in 2023. As far as his health is concerned, Jones is optimistic about the progress he's made thus far.
"Dak's doing great, he's coming along. He's very thrilled with where he is and I know the trainers are too, I feel like he's doing a hell of a job."
Nonetheless, a plan needs to be in place just in case. With Will Grier being the only quarterback on the roster aside from Prescott at the time being, there's still work to be done.
