5 quarterbacks Detroit Lions should target in free agency to backup Jared Goff

3. Cooper Rush

When Dak Precott missed time last season due to a thumb injury, Rush went 4-1 as the Cowboys’ starter. His numbers weren’t earth-shattering over that stretch (956 yards, five touchdowns, three interceptions, 81.2 passer rating, 58 percent completion rate). But he did what a backup is supposed to do–keep things on the rails for a team with high expectations.

In his first four starts last season, before a rough outing against the eventiual NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles, Rush had zero interceptions, a 97.1 passer ratingand a 61.9 percent completion rate). In a spot start for Prescott during the 2021 season against the Minnesota Vikings, he threw for 325 yards.

It’s fair to assume the Cowboys will make an effort to re-sign Rush, and keep their solid backup situation intact. He won’t get a starting job anywhere, but he would being doing himself a favor to take himself to the open market and see what’s out there.

For whatever it might be worth, Rush is a Michigan native (Charlotte) and a Central Michigan alum. Maybe he’d like to continue his career back home if there’s a chance to.