A team declared “all-in” by its owner now has no option but to go all out. The Dallas Cowboys lost their starting quarterback, Dak Prescott, to a leg injury, and his return is uncertain.
With a week nine defeat to the Atlanta Falcons dropping the Cowboys to 3-5, their playoff hopes are in jeopardy unless they turn things around fast.
Dallas needs a quarterback who can hold the line and ideally win games until Prescott is back. With the trade deadline close, they must decide today if they’ll seek outside help for their QB needs. Here are five options to address the Cowboys’ quarterback situation.
Current Cowboys Quarterbacks: Cooper Rush or Trey Lance
The Cowboys have two in-house options already familiar with their playbook: Cooper Rush and Trey Lance. However, neither inspires much confidence. Rush, in his seventh year from Central Michigan, took over Sunday after Prescott’s injury, completing just 50% of his passes (13 of 25) for 115 yards and a touchdown.
Lance, the 2021 draft’s third overall pick, is also available. In his four career starts, he’s gone 2-2, completing 55.4% of passes with two touchdowns and three interceptions. The fact that Dallas didn’t turn to him on Sunday suggests they’re not yet confident in their recent fourth-round trade acquisition from the 49ers.
Mac Jones, Jacksonville Jaguars
Mac Jones, now with the Jacksonville Jaguars, has seen his confidence shaken after a rough stint with the New England Patriots. Once the 2021 Offensive Rookie of the Year, he led New England to a 10-7 record and playoff appearance but was traded to back up Trevor Lawrence. Desperation might lead Dallas to offer Jacksonville more than the seventh-round pick they spent to acquire Jones.
Zach Wilson, Denver Broncos
The Broncos originally brought in Zach Wilson, the 2021 draft’s second overall pick, to start the season while rookie Bo Nix developed. But Nix claimed the starting role, and Broncos fans never saw Wilson in action. In his three years with the Jets, Wilson started 33 games with a 12-21 record, a 57% completion rate, 23 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions.
Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers
Nearly every quarterback drafted in the first round in 2021, excluding Lawrence, is now available. Fields started for the Steelers as Russell Wilson recovered from injury, achieving a 4-2 start while completing 66.3% of his passes with a 5:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Fields stands out as the top option but would likely demand the highest price.
Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints
With the Saints in a rebuild following their coach’s dismissal, Derek Carr may be available. Known for his career 65% completion rate and extensive starting experience, Carr’s future in New Orleans looks bleak. If the Saints are willing to handle his cap hit, Dallas could potentially acquire him at a low cost.
