Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Cooper Rush Faces Decision: Salary Reduction or Departure
In an NFL offseason that has already seen its fair share of big-name transactions and difficult decisions, one of the more intriguing situations is unfolding in Dallas, where backup quarterback Cooper Rush is reportedly being asked by the Cowboys’ front office to make a tough choice: either agree to a salary reduction or move on from the team.
Rush, who has become a fan favorite and a reliable backup to starting quarterback Dak Prescott, has been a steady contributor over the past few seasons. His ability to step in when needed, including leading the team to victories during Prescott’s injury absences, has made him a valuable piece of the Cowboys’ roster. However, as the team looks to manage its salary cap and make moves to improve other areas of the roster, it seems that Rush’s contract situation has become a point of contention. The question on the table is whether Rush is willing to accept a pay cut in order to stay with the Cowboys or if he will seek an opportunity elsewhere.
A Look at Cooper Rush’s Career with the Cowboys
Cooper Rush’s tenure with the Dallas Cowboys has been marked by a steady, if unspectacular, rise. He initially joined the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2017, and after spending some time on the practice squad, Rush eventually earned a spot as the team’s backup quarterback. While many fans and analysts paid little attention to Rush’s presence on the roster early on, his role took on greater significance in 2022.
That year, starting quarterback Dak Prescott suffered a thumb injury that kept him sidelined for several weeks. During this time, Rush was thrust into the starting role. What followed was an impressive stretch of games, as Rush led the Cowboys to a 4-1 record during Prescott’s absence. His performance during this stretch earned him praise, as he demonstrated poise in the pocket, leadership, and the ability to manage the game effectively. The Cowboys were able to remain competitive in Prescott’s absence, and Rush’s ability to fill in ably allowed the team to stay afloat.
Despite not being asked to carry the offense in an explosive manner, Rush showcased his understanding of the game and a steady hand under pressure. This earned him recognition not just as a backup, but as a quarterback capable of stepping in and delivering when necessary. It was clear that Rush had become more than just a clipboard holder on the sidelines—he had carved out a valuable niche for himself as a reliable backup.
Since that 2022 season, Rush’s role with the Cowboys has remained as the number two quarterback behind Prescott. However, with Prescott entrenched as the franchise’s starter, and with the Cowboys looking to tighten their financial belt heading into the 2025 season, Rush’s future with the team has come into question. The Cowboys are reportedly exploring ways to adjust their roster and cap space, and Rush’s contract has become a point of focus.
The Salary Situation: Why the Cowboys Are Asking for a Pay Cut
As teams across the NFL navigate salary cap constraints, difficult decisions are being made regarding player contracts. The Cowboys, always an organization looking to compete at the highest level, are no different. With a roster full of high-priced stars, such as Prescott, running back Ezekiel Elliott (now a free agent), and defensive studs like Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, the Cowboys must manage their cap space carefully in order to build a balanced, competitive team.
Rush’s contract, which is believed to be worth a base salary of approximately $2.5 million for the 2025 season, is relatively modest by NFL standards, especially for a backup quarterback. However, when a team is trying to optimize its cap space and create flexibility for other roster moves, even a backup quarterback’s salary can be scrutinized. Given the relatively low risk of having Rush as a backup—especially with Prescott’s durability and the presence of a solid offensive system—the Cowboys front office reportedly sees an opportunity to save money by either restructuring Rush’s contract or moving on from him entirely.
By asking Rush to lower his salary, the Cowboys would free up additional cap space to pursue other areas of need. With holes to fill in the wide receiver corps, along the defensive line, and in the secondary, saving money by reducing Rush’s cap hit could be crucial for the team’s overall strategy. However, the Cowboys are also facing the potential risk of alienating a player who has been a steady and trusted member of the team.
For Rush, the decision is not an easy one. On the one hand, he may want to remain with the Cowboys, a team where he has spent his entire career and where he has developed strong relationships with teammates, coaches, and the fan base. On the other hand, accepting a pay cut could potentially signal to other teams that he is willing to sacrifice compensation in order to stay in the NFL. He could also be concerned about how a reduced salary might affect his future earning potential, particularly if he were to be thrust into the starting role again due to injury.
Cooper Rush’s Options: Stay or Go?
At this crossroads in his career, Cooper Rush has several options to consider.
- Accept the Pay Cut and Stay with the Cowboys: This is the option most fans are hoping for, as Rush has proven himself to be a capable backup and a valuable asset to the team. If Rush were to accept a pay cut, he could remain with the Cowboys for the foreseeable future. This would also allow him to continue working within the offense that he is familiar with, and potentially see additional opportunities to start if Prescott were to suffer another injury. Moreover, staying with the Cowboys would allow Rush to continue growing his reputation as a reliable, professional backup who could provide value if needed.
- Refuse the Pay Cut and Seek a Trade or Free Agency: If Rush does not wish to accept a pay reduction, he may opt to explore free agency or seek a trade to another team. There are numerous teams in the NFL who are looking for quarterback depth, and Rush’s experience and ability to step in as a starter have proven valuable. He may find a team that is willing to offer him a more favorable contract, which could lead to a fresh opportunity in a different city. A change of scenery could be exactly what Rush needs to establish himself as a legitimate starter elsewhere, should Prescott’s hold on the starting job with the Cowboys continue to remain secure.
- Retirement or a Year in Limbo: Though less likely, Cooper Rush could decide to retire from the game or sit out the 2025 season if no opportunities arise that he deems satisfactory. This would be an extreme decision, but with Rush having been a part of the NFL for several years, he may choose to step away if a compromise with the Cowboys does not work out and no other options are viable.
The Dallas Cowboys’ Future at Quarterback
While the decision about Rush’s future is important, it also reflects broader themes about the Cowboys’ future at the quarterback position. Dak Prescott has remained the face of the franchise for several years, and his position as the starting quarterback is secure for the time being. However, with the rising salary cap demands of other positions, the Cowboys may want to look to the future, potentially grooming a young quarterback who could be ready to step into a larger role should Prescott eventually move on.
As of now, the Cowboys’ reliance on Rush as their primary backup means they will need to weigh the pros and cons of his potential departure. A fresh start for Rush could also open the door for a new backup quarterback to join the roster—perhaps someone who offers more upside for the team’s future, whether as a potential starter or as trade bait.
The Impact on the Locker Room
If Rush were to accept the pay cut and remain with the Cowboys, it could send a message of unity and loyalty to his teammates and to fans. He would be demonstrating a commitment to the franchise, even in a situation where financial sacrifice was required. On the other hand, should Rush leave, it could create a ripple effect in the locker room, especially among teammates who have come to admire his leadership and professionalism.
In either scenario, Rush’s decision will have a significant impact on the team’s quarterback room, as well as on the Cowboys’ cap space. Fans, players, and management will all be closely watching how this situation unfolds, as the team looks to build toward a Super Bowl contention while managing the complex realities of the salary cap.
Conclusion: The Waiting Game
As the NFL offseason continues, Cooper Rush’s decision will be one of the most closely watched situations in Dallas. Whether he chooses to take a pay cut and remain with the Cowboys or seek opportunities elsewhere, it’s clear that the 2025 season will be a pivotal moment in his career. For the Cowboys, managing the cap space wisely while maintaining a capable backup quarterback will be essential to their long-term success. For Rush, it’s a critical decision—one that could define his career path for years to come.
