The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, are clearly in the market for another quarterback to compete for the backup spot behind Dak Prescott. With the 2025 season on the horizon, the backup quarterback position has taken on greater significance. While Dak Prescott is entrenched as the team’s starting quarterback, the Cowboys’ front office is making it clear that they want to secure a reliable backup to ensure the team remains competitive should Prescott miss any games due to injury or poor performance.
In this detailed analysis, we will examine why the Cowboys are pursuing another quarterback, what qualities they are looking for, and potential candidates for the backup role. We will also explore the implications of adding a new backup quarterback to the roster and how it fits into the Cowboys’ overall strategy for the 2025 season.
The Importance of a Reliable Backup Quarterback
While Dak Prescott has been the Cowboys’ starting quarterback for several seasons, the backup quarterback position has been a source of concern in recent years. Backup quarterbacks often go unnoticed until they are called into action, but their importance cannot be overstated. In the NFL, injuries are an unfortunate reality, and the difference between success and failure can often come down to the performance of the backup quarterback.
For the Cowboys, the backup quarterback position is particularly crucial because of the importance of Dak Prescott to the team’s success. Prescott is the face of the franchise and a former Pro Bowler, but he has had some injury setbacks over the years, including a serious ankle injury in 2020 that caused him to miss a significant portion of the season. In 2021, he missed a game due to a calf strain, and there are always concerns about his durability moving forward.
While Prescott is durable and has shown resilience throughout his career, the Cowboys need to ensure they are well-prepared in the event of an injury. As a result, finding a solid backup quarterback has become a key priority for the front office. With a talented roster around Prescott, the Cowboys do not want to lose out on a potential playoff or Super Bowl run due to a lack of depth at the quarterback position.
The Cowboys’ Current Backup Quarterback Situation
As it stands, the Cowboys’ backup quarterback position is occupied by Cooper Rush, who has served as Prescott’s backup since 2017. Rush has had some moments of success, most notably in 2022 when he stepped in for Prescott after the starter suffered an injury and won five straight games. His performance as a fill-in starter was impressive, and it was a reminder of how important a backup quarterback can be when needed.
Despite his strong performance in 2022, Rush has always been viewed as a backup in the truest sense of the word. He is a solid and dependable option, but he is not a dynamic player who can change the course of a game if Prescott were to miss an extended period of time. For all his experience, Rush is not considered a long-term solution to lead the Cowboys’ offense in the event of a major injury to Prescott. In fact, in 2023, when Prescott missed a game due to injury, Rush wasn’t able to lead the Cowboys to a victory, reinforcing the notion that a more talented backup might be needed.
Given this uncertainty with Rush as the backup quarterback, the Cowboys have understandably started to explore their options in the quarterback market. The goal is not only to find a competent backup who can step in and lead the team if needed but also to add some competition to the position to ensure that the best possible player is holding down the spot behind Prescott.
Why the Cowboys Are Targeting a New Backup Quarterback
There are several reasons why the Dallas Cowboys are actively looking to bring in another quarterback to compete for the backup spot. Let’s break down the key factors driving this decision.
1. Improving Depth and Insurance Behind Dak Prescott
While Prescott is undoubtedly one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL, his injury history, as mentioned earlier, raises some concern. In a high-stakes league like the NFL, where every game matters, it’s crucial to have a quarterback who can step in and perform at a high level should the starter go down.
Having a backup who can run the offense efficiently without too much of a drop-off from Prescott is essential for the Cowboys. Last season, Cooper Rush did a commendable job, but he also showed limitations when faced with more challenging situations. A more capable backup quarterback would provide the team with the peace of mind knowing that they have someone who could potentially win games and keep the team competitive if Prescott were sidelined.
2. Increasing Competition for the Backup Spot
By bringing in another quarterback to compete for the backup spot, the Cowboys are adding an element of competition to the position. While Cooper Rush has been a reliable backup, the Cowboys are aiming to raise the bar for their quarterback depth chart. Adding a quarterback with more upside or a different skill set could create a competitive environment that forces all the quarterbacks on the roster to perform at their best.
This kind of competition can also prevent complacency in the quarterback room. Having a backup who is genuinely challenging for the job will push both Prescott and Rush to improve their game. Moreover, it increases the likelihood that the Cowboys will have a capable, well-prepared backup in case they need to make a change during the season.
3. A Better Fit for Offensive System and Scheme
The Cowboys’ offensive system, under head coach Mike McCarthy and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, is evolving. With Prescott at the helm, the team runs a balanced offense that incorporates both passing and running plays. While Cooper Rush has shown his ability to run the offense in a pinch, the Cowboys are exploring whether a new backup quarterback could better fit the evolving system and bring more versatility to the table.
The Cowboys’ offensive philosophy could change, and a new quarterback who better understands McCarthy’s offensive principles or brings a different skill set (such as mobility, arm strength, or athleticism) could make the team more dangerous on offense. Therefore, adding competition at the backup quarterback spot could give the Cowboys more options in how they want to run the offense if Prescott is out.
Key Qualities the Cowboys Are Looking for in a Backup Quarterback
In their search for a backup quarterback, the Dallas Cowboys are likely focused on a few key qualities that would make the player a valuable asset to the team. Let’s take a look at some of the most important traits the Cowboys will be seeking as they evaluate potential backup quarterbacks.
1. Experience and NFL Acumen
The Cowboys are looking for a quarterback who has experience at the NFL level. Given the stakes involved, the Cowboys would prefer a player who has started a few games and understands what it takes to succeed in the NFL. Experience is important, particularly if Prescott were to miss an extended period of time. The backup quarterback would need to handle pressure, read defenses, and execute in-game adjustments, which can be difficult for inexperienced players.
A veteran quarterback who has had success in spot starts or a journeyman with solid NFL experience would be ideal. The Cowboys would likely shy away from a raw rookie or a player with little to no NFL experience, as those quarterbacks would be too much of a risk.
2. Ability to Lead and Perform Under Pressure
Another important quality is the ability to perform under pressure. A backup quarterback may not see much action during the season, but when called upon, they need to be able to step in and execute under intense pressure. Whether it’s coming in for a game in the middle of the season or having to take over for a few weeks, the Cowboys need a quarterback who can maintain composure and lead the team effectively.
The ability to manage the game, make smart decisions, and avoid turnovers is crucial. The Cowboys have a solid roster, and they cannot afford to have a backup quarterback who can’t protect the ball or make accurate throws when it matters most.
3. Mobility and Adaptability
While Dak Prescott is known for his mobility and ability to extend plays, a more mobile backup quarterback could bring an added dimension to the offense. In today’s NFL, having a quarterback who can move in and out of the pocket is becoming more and more valuable. A quarterback with mobility can buy extra time when the offensive line breaks down, create opportunities to run when necessary, and make plays outside of the traditional pocket structure.
This doesn’t mean the Cowboys are necessarily looking for a dual-threat quarterback who relies on running as their primary skill, but a backup quarterback who is mobile and can escape pressure would give the offense more flexibility.
4. Strong Arm and Accuracy
Finally, the Cowboys are looking for a quarterback with a strong arm and accuracy. While Cooper Rush is solid, his arm strength and deep-ball accuracy are often seen as limitations when compared to other quarterbacks in the league. A backup quarterback with a more powerful arm could open up additional options for the offense, especially in terms of pushing the ball downfield and testing defenses vertically.
Potential Candidates for the Backup Spot
Several quarterbacks could fit the Cowboys’ criteria for the backup role. Let’s explore a few potential candidates who might be available via trade, free agency, or the draft.
1. Teddy Bridgewater (Free Agent)
Teddy Bridgewater is a veteran quarterback with starting experience and a solid track record of managing games. Bridgewater is known for his accuracy, leadership, and ability to step in and keep teams competitive. While he’s not known for his mobility, he is a solid decision-maker and a competent backup who could step in if needed.
2. Gardner Minshew (Free Agent)
Gardner Minshew is an intriguing option as a backup quarterback. Known for his quirky personality and playmaking ability, Minshew has proven that he can step in and run an offense effectively when called upon. His mobility and ability to make plays outside of the pocket could bring a new dynamic to the Cowboys’ offense.
3. Nick Foles (Free Agent)
Another experienced backup who could potentially be a fit for the Cowboys is Nick Foles. Foles has a Super Bowl MVP on his resume and has demonstrated that he can perform in high-pressure situations. While Foles may not be the long-term answer, his veteran experience and ability to perform in clutch moments could provide the Cowboys with solid insurance at the position.