NFL News: Following Cooper Rush’s departure, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys trade Dak Prescott’s backup to the Patriots.

The NFL offseason is always filled with surprises, but one of the most intriguing moves for the Dallas Cowboys this year came following the departure of quarterback Cooper Rush. The Cowboys, a team that has relied on strong quarterback play for much of the past two decades, made a bold move in trading Dak Prescott’s backup to the New England Patriots. This decision has set off a chain of events, making fans and analysts alike question the future of the Cowboys’ quarterback depth chart and what the trade means for the team’s overall trajectory.

Let’s take a deeper look at the circumstances surrounding the trade, why Jerry Jones and the Cowboys decided to part ways with Cooper Rush, and what this trade means for the team in the near and long-term future.

Cooper Rush’s Departure and the Cowboys’ Backup Quarterback Situation

Cooper Rush had been the Cowboys’ primary backup quarterback since 2017, a tenure that had been relatively stable until recently. Rush had earned a reputation as a reliable and capable backup who could step in and lead the team when Dak Prescott was unavailable. His most notable moment came during the 2022 season when Prescott went down with an injury, and Rush took over the starting role. He went 4-1 as a starter, showcasing poise and a steady hand during a time of uncertainty.

However, by the time the 2024 offseason arrived, the writing was on the wall for Rush. Despite his solid performances in 2022, the Cowboys’ front office began to feel that they needed to address the quarterback position more dynamically in case Prescott faced injuries again in the future. It wasn’t that Rush had done anything wrong, but with a team like the Cowboys, expectations are always high, and they knew they needed a backup quarterback who could provide more than just emergency cover. The organization decided to move in a different direction, signaling that they were ready to make a change at the backup spot.

When Cooper Rush signed with the Baltimore Ravens in the 2025 offseason, it left a hole in the Cowboys’ quarterback depth chart. At the same time, it gave Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ front office an opportunity to reassess the backup quarterback position and find someone they believed had higher upside.

Why the Patriots Were the Trade Partner

The trade that sent Dak Prescott’s backup to the New England Patriots was a surprise to many. The Patriots, who have been in a state of flux since Tom Brady’s departure, were in need of a solid backup quarterback themselves. Despite the acquisition of former Alabama star Mac Jones a few years earlier, the Patriots have been searching for stability behind their starting quarterback position. Bill Belichick, the Patriots’ legendary head coach, values depth at every position, and quarterback is no exception.

After a disappointing 2024 season where the Patriots failed to make the playoffs, Belichick wanted to ensure that the backup quarterback position was more secure. As a result, the Patriots saw value in acquiring a proven player like Cooper Rush. The idea was simple: bring in a quarterback who could step in and contribute should anything happen to Mac Jones. Rush, with his experience and calm demeanor, was seen as the perfect fit for that role in New England.

For the Cowboys, trading Rush to the Patriots was a matter of looking ahead. With the departure of Rush, the Cowboys were looking for a more dynamic backup who could compete for the No. 2 spot and possibly take on a bigger role if called upon. This led to the Cowboys exploring several options, including some younger quarterbacks with higher upside.

The Details of the Trade

The trade involved sending Cooper Rush to the New England Patriots in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round draft pick and a conditional 2026 sixth-round pick. In addition to these draft picks, the Cowboys received a player to be named later, which could help the team bolster another position.

The deal made sense for both sides. The Patriots, who needed a reliable backup, were willing to part with a couple of mid-round picks in exchange for a quarterback who could step in if Mac Jones faltered. For the Cowboys, acquiring an additional fourth-round pick and the possibility of another sixth-round pick down the line provided them with valuable future assets. The move also reflected a long-term vision for the Cowboys’ roster, giving them the flexibility to add depth to a variety of positions, not just quarterback.

Dak Prescott’s Role and Impact on the Trade

For Dak Prescott, this trade means one more step in the evolution of his career with the Cowboys. While he remains the unquestioned starter, Prescott has always had a reliable backup in Cooper Rush, someone he trusted and knew well. The departure of Rush leaves Prescott with a new backup, and it’s a reminder of how fluid the NFL can be, with changes happening even in the most stable of positions.

Prescott is entering a critical phase in his career, having signed a lucrative contract extension in 2024. The Cowboys are banking on him to lead the team to deeper playoff runs, and while they still have confidence in Prescott, they know that the backup position is crucial in case of injury. Given the Cowboys’ recent playoff disappointments and the uncertainty of Prescott’s health, the front office wanted to make sure they had a more dynamic backup quarterback moving forward.

The Impact of the Trade on the Cowboys’ Roster

With the trade of Cooper Rush, the Cowboys now face a situation where they will need to find a new backup who can step in and deliver if necessary. The trade highlights an important aspect of Jerry Jones’ philosophy: he’s always looking for ways to improve the team, even when things appear to be going well.

The Cowboys’ next step will be to determine how to fill the void left by Rush. Several names have been floated as potential backup quarterbacks, with the Cowboys rumored to be looking at several veterans as well as unproven players from the draft.

A key focus of the Cowboys’ front office is to find someone who can not only step in and perform in case of an emergency but also push Prescott in practice and improve the overall quarterback room. This new backup quarterback will likely be given an opportunity to compete for the backup role during training camp and preseason, with the Cowboys’ coaching staff evaluating all of their options before finalizing the depth chart.

The Road Ahead for the Cowboys

As the 2025 season approaches, the Cowboys are looking to build a roster that can contend for a Super Bowl. With a new backup quarterback in the fold and Dak Prescott leading the offense, there are many question marks heading into the season, especially in a division as competitive as the NFC East. The Cowboys’ offense is poised to be explosive, and the defense, led by Micah Parsons, is one of the most formidable in the league.

However, for the Cowboys to reach their ultimate goal, the team needs stability at the quarterback position, both for Prescott and for the backup. The trade of Cooper Rush signals that Jerry Jones and the front office are not satisfied with the status quo and are looking to make moves to ensure that the team remains competitive for years to come.

The key takeaway from this trade is that the Cowboys are thinking long-term. Whether it’s through the draft or by acquiring a player like Cooper Rush’s replacement, the organization is committed to giving Prescott the best possible chance to succeed. With a new backup quarterback now in place, it will be interesting to see how the competition develops during the offseason and whether the move pays off in the long run.