The Dallas Cowboys’ Quarterback Conundrum: Navigating the Future
The 2023 NFL season marked a turning point for the Dallas Cowboys as they explored their options at the quarterback position. In a bold move, the team traded a 2024 fourth-round draft pick to the San Francisco 49ers to acquire Trey Lance, the third overall pick in the 2021 draft. Despite the excitement surrounding his potential, Lance’s tenure in Dallas was relatively quiet. He primarily served as the third-string quarterback, only starting the final game of the season, where he completed 20 of 34 passes for 244 yards. While this performance showcased his abilities, it appears that Lance’s time with the Cowboys will come to an end. Stephen Jones, the team’s chief operating officer and co-owner, hinted that Lance may be seeking a different opportunity, given the team’s long-term commitment to Dak Prescott.
Cooper Rush’s Departure and the Need for a Reliable Backup
In addition to Trey Lance’s impending departure, the Cowboys are also bracing for the potential loss of Cooper Rush, a seasoned backup quarterback who has been with the team for seven seasons. Rush, an unrestricted free agent, has been a reliable presence, boasting a 9-5 record in 14 career starts. His departure leaves a significant void, as the Cowboys must now identify a capable backup to support Dak Prescott, who has struggled with injuries in recent years. With limited cap space and a looming contract extension for star defender Micah Parsons, the Cowboys are likely to turn to the NFL Draft to find a cost-effective solution at the quarterback position.
The NFL Draft: A Key to Finding Depth
The NFL Draft presents the Cowboys with an opportunity to bolster their quarterback depth without breaking the bank. Stephen Jones has expressed the team’s intention to draft a young quarterback, acknowledging the unpredictability of quarterback prospects’ draft positions. "I don’t know where that’s going to be," Jones admitted, referencing the team’s past experiences with quarterbacks often being selected earlier than anticipated. The Cowboys will have a chance to evaluate top prospects up close during the NFL Scouting Combine, where quarterbacks will showcase their skills on Saturday. While the team currently lacks a fourth-round pick due to a trade for wide receiver Jonathan Mingo, they are projected to have four fifth-round picks, according to Tankathon. If needed, the Cowboys could trade up into the fourth round to secure a quarterback they covet.
Potential Draft Targets: Emerging Talents
Among the potential fifth-round picks who could capture the Cowboys’ attention are two former Ohio State quarterbacks: Will Howard and Kyle McCord. Will Howard, who led the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2023, impressed analysts with his standout performance during the playoffs. "You turn on the film in the playoffs, man, and it’s really good," praised Joel Klatt, FOX Sports’ lead college football analyst. "He’s got great command of what’s going on." Kyle McCord, who topped all FBS quarterbacks with 4,779 passing yards in 2024, is another promising prospect. His ability to lead his team and deliver under pressure makes him a potential fit for Dallas. Other late-round options include Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel and Indiana’s Kurtis Rourke, both of whom have playoff experience, and Louisville’s Tyler Shough, a possible late Day 3 pick.
The Risks and Challenges of Drafting a Quarterback
While the Cowboys could opt to draft a quarterback earlier in the draft, there is a natural risk in using a higher pick on a player expected to serve as a backup. For instance, selecting Texas product Quinn Ewers, who has been flagged for durability concerns, at No. 44 overall might be considered a reach. However, Ewers may not still be available when the Cowboys pick again at No. 76. One potential strategy could be to trade down and target Ewers later in the second round or early in the third. Historically, the Cowboys have been cautious in drafting quarterbacks early, with their last second-round pick at the position being Quincy Carter in 2001. Since 2016, the team has selected Dak Prescott (fourth round), Mike White (fifth round), and Ben DiNucci (seventh round).
Filling the Void: Prescott’s Durability and the Road Ahead
Regardless of who the Cowboys ultimately draft, addressing the void left by Trey Lance and Cooper Rush is critical. Over the past three seasons, Dak Prescott has started just 37 of 51 games due to a series of injuries, including thumb injuries in 2022 and a torn hamstring that sidelined him for the final nine weeks of 2024. This lack of durability underscores the importance of having a trustworthy backup quarterback. While Prescott remains the team’s franchise quarterback, the Cowboys must ensure they have a capable understudy to step in when needed. As the NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on how the Cowboys navigate this pivotal moment in their quarterback journey. Will they find the right balance between experience and potential? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Cowboys cannot afford to miss on this opportunity to secure their future at the position.
