Cooper Rush, a former quarterback for Central Michigan, signs a $12.2 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens.

In one of the most surprising moves of the NFL offseason, Cooper Rush, the former Central Michigan quarterback who has quietly established himself as a reliable backup in the NFL, has signed a significant contract with the Baltimore Ravens. The deal, worth $12.2 million over two years, marks a pivotal moment in Rush’s career and signals the Ravens’ commitment to building a stable, versatile quarterback room. This signing not only highlights Rush’s growth as a quarterback but also reflects the Ravens’ desire to provide backup support for Lamar Jackson as the franchise continues its quest for an elusive Super Bowl title.

Rush’s journey to this moment has been a remarkable one, shaped by both resilience and determination. While the NFL is often dominated by flashy, high-profile quarterbacks, Rush’s steady performance and ability to step up when needed have earned him recognition. With a track record of success as a backup, particularly in the 2021 season when he filled in admirably for an injured Dak Prescott with the Dallas Cowboys, Rush has proven his value and is now in a position to play a more prominent role with the Ravens.

This article will explore Cooper Rush’s journey from Central Michigan to the NFL, break down what this new contract means for the Ravens, and examine the potential impact of his presence on the team’s quarterback room. Furthermore, we will consider how Rush’s signing fits into the Ravens’ larger strategy of building a competitive roster, as they seek to make a deep playoff run in the upcoming seasons.

Cooper Rush: From Central Michigan to the NFL

Cooper Rush’s path to the NFL is a testament to his work ethic, adaptability, and determination. Born in Charlotte, Michigan, Rush was a standout high school quarterback before heading to Central Michigan University to continue his football career. His time with the Chippewas was marked by consistent play and impressive leadership. In his senior year at Central Michigan, Rush threw for over 3,000 yards, leading his team to an impressive 6-2 record in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). His strong performances earned him All-MAC honors and a spot on the NFL’s radar, even though he was not viewed as a top prospect.

Rush went undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft but quickly found a home with the Dallas Cowboys, signing as a free agent. His early years in the league were spent primarily on the Cowboys’ practice squad, as he developed his skills and adapted to the speed and complexity of the NFL game. In 2020, Rush was elevated to the Cowboys’ active roster, where he began to see more playing time, primarily in backup roles.

Rush’s most notable moment came in 2021, when Dak Prescott suffered an injury that kept him out for several weeks. Rush was called upon to start for the Cowboys in a pivotal game against the Minnesota Vikings. In a high-pressure situation, Rush delivered, leading the Cowboys to a 20-16 victory with a poised and mistake-free performance. Rush threw for 325 yards and two touchdowns in a performance that turned heads around the NFL. His success as a backup quarterback during that stretch cemented his status as a capable player, capable of stepping in and leading a team when needed.

Despite Prescott’s return to full health in 2021, Rush continued to prove his worth as a reliable backup, with his leadership and ability to step into a starting role when necessary making him an asset. He spent several more seasons with the Cowboys, earning the trust of coaches and teammates.

The Ravens’ Decision to Sign Cooper Rush

The Baltimore Ravens have always been a team with a strong identity, built on a powerful defense, a punishing running game, and dynamic quarterback play led by Lamar Jackson. While Jackson’s dual-threat ability makes him one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the NFL, his injury history has raised questions about the depth of the quarterback position behind him. In the past, the Ravens have relied on backup quarterbacks who, while capable, have often lacked the level of proven success that a player like Rush brings to the table.

This is where Cooper Rush fits in. The Ravens made a calculated decision to sign Rush to a two-year, $12.2 million deal, providing them with a reliable backup quarterback who has proven he can win games in the NFL. The move came after the Ravens were concerned about the long-term health of Lamar Jackson and the need to have a proven option if Jackson were to miss time.

Rush’s ability to step in and perform well under pressure is exactly what the Ravens need in a backup quarterback. He has the experience and confidence to manage an offense, make necessary adjustments, and lead the team to victory. Given Jackson’s style of play, which includes an emphasis on running the ball, the Ravens’ coaching staff was likely looking for a quarterback who could be a capable game manager in a system that is often centered around the running game and short-to-intermediate passing.

What Does Cooper Rush Bring to the Ravens?

Cooper Rush’s contract with the Ravens gives the team a much-needed dose of stability at the quarterback position. Rush brings a number of strengths to Baltimore, all of which could prove crucial in the event that Lamar Jackson misses time due to injury or other circumstances.

1. Proven Backup Experience

One of the most significant aspects of Rush’s game is his experience as a backup quarterback. Backup quarterbacks are often asked to step in and lead teams in difficult situations, and Rush has shown an ability to do just that. His experience in Dallas, particularly in 2021, where he had to start several games in place of Dak Prescott, proves that he can handle the pressure and perform well in a starting role. Having a quarterback with this kind of experience behind Lamar Jackson allows the Ravens to feel confident in their depth at the position, knowing that they can turn to Rush in a pinch without a significant drop-off in performance.

2. A Game Manager with Leadership Qualities

Rush is known for his poise and leadership qualities. He’s not a flashy player, but he’s capable of managing games and making plays when needed. His ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and stay calm in high-pressure situations will help the Ravens if they ever need to rely on him to start. In a system that leans on the running game, a quarterback like Rush who can make timely throws and manage the clock will be a valuable asset for the Ravens.

3. A Strong Locker Room Presence

Another key aspect of Rush’s game is his leadership in the locker room. In his years with the Cowboys, Rush built strong relationships with his teammates, especially with Dak Prescott. He has a reputation as a team player who is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team succeed. This type of leadership will be important for the Ravens, who value strong team chemistry and collaboration. Rush’s ability to contribute to team morale and work with coaches to prepare the offense will help create a more cohesive locker room environment.

4. A Stable Option for Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman

The Ravens’ offensive coordinator, Greg Roman, has built an offense around Lamar Jackson’s unique skill set, emphasizing a strong running game and utilizing the quarterback’s ability to make plays with his legs. While Lamar Jackson is the centerpiece of the offense, having a reliable backup like Rush provides insurance in case of injury. Rush’s game-management skills and ability to execute an offense without forcing plays make him a strong fit in Roman’s system, where efficiency and clock control are vital.

The Future of the Ravens with Cooper Rush

The addition of Cooper Rush to the Baltimore Ravens brings a level of security to the quarterback position that the team has not had in recent seasons. While Lamar Jackson remains the team’s franchise quarterback, having a reliable backup who can step in when needed is an invaluable asset. Rush’s contract is a testament to his growth and development as a quarterback, and it shows the Ravens’ commitment to building a well-rounded roster capable of handling the inevitable challenges that come with a long NFL season.

For Rush, this signing represents an opportunity to take his career to the next level. Joining the Ravens provides him with the chance to work alongside Lamar Jackson, one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league, while also getting the opportunity to potentially play in meaningful games should the need arise. The Ravens’ upward trajectory and playoff aspirations make this an exciting opportunity for Rush to further establish himself in the NFL.