As the 2024 NFL season progresses, the Dallas Cowboys are bracing for potential bidding wars regarding several key players heading into free agency. Among the prominent names are Zack Martin, Osa Odighizuwa, and DeMarcus Lawrence. Brandin Cooks is also expected to be a notable departure, while fans are hoping that Rico Dowdle proves to be a valuable asset for the team. However, one player whose free agency situation has gained unexpected attention is Cooper Rush, a quarterback who has played a crucial role in maintaining the team’s success.
At the start of the season, there was little focus on Rush’s pending free agency. Most attention was directed toward the contracts of Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, both of whom were entering the final year of their deals. Trey Lance’s future also became a subject of conversation, but Rush’s situation seemed less significant. However, after demonstrating his value as a reliable backup, Rush’s potential departure is now generating more interest.
Rush has proven that he is capable of filling in for Prescott when needed. While not a dynamic playmaker, his quick processing and fast release allow him to lead the Cowboys effectively. This season, Rush has showcased his ability to keep the team competitive, even when Prescott has been sidelined. His performance has earned him the status of a dependable backup quarterback, something that many teams in need of a solid backup quarterback will find appealing.
With Rush securing a win in the Cowboys’ 26-24 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which knocked Tampa out of the NFC South race, his position as a reliable backup was solidified. Rush is now 4-3 on the season and 9-4 overall as a starter in the NFL. This strong track record suggests that Rush is not only capable of stepping in when needed but also capable of leading a team to victory.
Given his proven track record, Rush has become a highly sought-after commodity for teams looking to develop young quarterbacks. Bleacher Report’s scouting department has suggested that the Minnesota Vikings could be a potential landing spot for Rush. With Sam Darnold playing well this season and earning a new contract, the Vikings may need a capable backup to support their development of J.J. McCarthy, the young first-round pick they invested in last spring.
The Vikings face a tough decision regarding Darnold, who has shattered his career highs with 3,776 passing yards and 32 touchdowns, making him a strong candidate for a new contract. At just 27 years old, Darnold is projected to command a hefty contract on the open market, potentially worth at least $100 million over three years. If Minnesota opts to let Darnold walk and make room for McCarthy, Rush could be a smart addition as a backup quarterback.
Rush’s experience and reliability would provide the Vikings with an experienced option behind McCarthy. The 31-year-old has ample starting experience, making him a valuable mentor for the young quarterback. Additionally, his ability to step in and lead the team when needed would be reassuring for the Vikings as they transition to their new quarterback of the future.
Overall, Cooper Rush has proven his worth as a capable NFL starter and a valuable backup, making him a potentially attractive option for teams like the Vikings. With his steady play and leadership, he could help guide young quarterbacks while still contributing when necessary. As his free agency looms, Rush’s future with the Cowboys or another team could become one of the more intriguing storylines of the offseason.
