Dallas Cowboys’ Quarterback Dilemma
In 2023, the Dallas Cowboys made a significant move by acquiring quarterback Trey Lance from the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a 2024 fourth-round draft pick, which later translated into safety Malik Mustapha. Lance, the former No. 3 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, found himself primarily watching from the sidelines in a third-string role. His lone start for the Cowboys came in the final game of the season, where he completed 20 of 34 passes for 244 yards. Despite this modest performance, it appears that Lance will not be part of the team’s future plans, as Stephen Jones, the Cowboys’ chief operating officer and co-owner, hinted at his departure. "We think the world of Trey," Jones said, "but us having Dak [Prescott] signed up for the long-term, I think he’s probably going to be looking for something different."
Cooper Rush and the Free-Agent Market
Cooper Rush, a veteran quarterback who has spent seven seasons with the Cowboys, is also set to become an unrestricted free agent. Rush, known for his consistent play when called upon, boasts a 9-5 record in 14 career starts. With the departure of both Lance and Rush, the Cowboys are facing a significant void in their quarterback depth. While they could explore the free-agent market, potential targets such as Justin Fields or Drew Lock come with their own set of challenges, including limited cap space and the imminent extension for star defender Micah Parsons. The free-agent market, while offering some enticing options, may not be the most cost-effective or feasible solution for Dallas.
Drafting for Depth
Given the financial constraints and the team’s long-term commitment to Dak Prescott, the NFL Draft emerges as the most practical avenue for the Cowboys to bolster their quarterback depth. Stephen Jones recognized this, stating, "One of our goals is to get a young quarterback in the draft." The full draft order is yet to be finalized, but the Cowboys currently lack a fourth-round pick, having traded it for wide receiver Jonathan Mingo in November. However, they are projected to have four fifth-round picks, according to Tankathon. If the draft’s quarterback landscape aligns with their needs, the Cowboys could consider trading up to secure a higher selection or trade back to optimize their picks.
Prospects on the Radar
The Cowboys will have a close eye on the quarterback prospects participating in the NFL Scouting Combine this week. The combine, particularly the quarterback workouts on Saturday, will provide valuable insights into the players’ physical and mental capabilities. Among the potential fifth-round prospects, two former Ohio State quarterbacks stand out. Will Howard, who led the Buckeyes to a national title this past season, has garnered attention for his command and leadership on the field. Joel Klatt, FOX Sports’ lead college football game analyst, praised Howard, saying, "You turn on the film in the playoffs, man, and it’s really good. He’s got great command of what’s going on." Kyle McCord, another Ohio State product who transferred to Syracuse in his senior year, also showed promise, leading all FBS quarterbacks with 4,779 passing yards in 2024.
Late-Round Options
For later-round picks, the Cowboys might consider Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel and Indiana’s Kurtis Rourke, both of whom played key roles in their teams’ College Football Playoff appearances. Gabriel, known for his accuracy and decision-making, could be a solid late-round addition. Meanwhile, Kurtis Rourke’s experience in leading Indiana to the playoffs adds to his appeal. Louisville’s Tyler Shough is another late Day 3 prospect who could catch the Cowboys’ eye, given his potential and value.
Ensuring Future Stability
The Cowboys’ decision to draft a quarterback is critical due to Dak Prescott’s recent injury history. Over the last three seasons, Prescott has started just 37 of 51 games, battling thumb injuries in 2022 and a torn hamstring that sidelined him for the final nine weeks of 2024. The need for a reliable backup has never been more apparent. While the draft offers a range of options, the team must balance the risk of using a higher pick on a player expected to sit behind Prescott. The Cowboys’ recent history with quarterbacks drafted in later rounds—such as Prescott, Mike White, and Ben DiNucci—suggests they are comfortable finding gems later in the draft. Nevertheless, ensuring they have a quarterback who can step up in emergencies is crucial for the team’s success and stability moving forward.
