BREAKING: Proposed $5 Million Qb Trade Has Cowboys Striking Deal With Panthers To Boost Active roster
The Dallas Cowboys may have some significant roster issues, but they are well-stocked at the quarterback position. Meanwhile, Bryce Young’s second NFL season hit a roadblock after just two games, as he was benched by the Carolina Panthers.
With Andy Dalton now stepping in as the Panthers’ starting quarterback, it remains unclear whether this is a long-term solution. Given the situation, Carolina might be in the market for another quarterback. The Cowboys have two potential trade options behind Dak Prescott: Cooper Rush and Trey Lance.
If the Panthers are seeking an immediate contributor, Rush would likely be the better choice, as Lance is more of a developmental project—something the Panthers already have in Young. A trade involving Rush could realistically net the Cowboys a future day-three draft pick.
Rush is in the final year of his two-year, $5 million contract and carries a cap-friendly $2.8 million hit for 2024, making him an attractive option for teams in need of quarterback help.
It’s uncertain how much trade interest Cooper Rush will generate ahead of the November 5, 2024, deadline, but we do know he attracted attention during the 2023 free agency period. Teams like the Las Vegas Raiders and Cincinnati Bengals were reportedly interested in signing him at the time.
As ESPN’s Todd Archer detailed in an April 2023 article, Rush became a hot commodity after going 4-1 as the Cowboys’ starting quarterback while Dak Prescott was sidelined with a thumb injury. Rush was set to fly to Las Vegas to meet with the Raiders, and the Bengals were also keen on scheduling a visit.
However, Rush ultimately never made the trip, opting instead to sleep on the Cowboys’ offer. The next morning, on St. Patrick’s Day, he agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $6 million, which included a $1.25 million signing bonus. This backstory highlights the level of interest Rush garnered in the past, suggesting that a potential trade market could emerge as the deadline approaches.
Would Trading for Cowboys QB Cooper Rush be an Upgrade for the Panthers Over Andy Dalton?
The Cowboys face a decision on whether to prioritize quarterback depth behind Dak Prescott or pursue a future draft pick by trading Cooper Rush. Another option could be a player-for-player swap, which is rare but possible. Given Dallas’ struggles in the run game, acquiring running back Miles Sanders from the Panthers—who has seen limited action—could be a logical move.
As for whether Rush would be an upgrade over Andy Dalton for the Panthers, Rush’s most impressive season came in 2022 when he stepped in for an injured Prescott. In nine appearances (five starts), he threw for 1,051 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions, completing 58% of his passes. While Rush has proven capable in a starting role, Dalton brings more experience, which may give him an edge depending on Carolina’s needs.
Both Rush and Trey Lance are set to hit free agency after this season, and it’s unlikely the Cowboys will retain both, especially with Prescott locked into a long-term deal. Lance, who carries a hefty $5.3 million cap hit in 2024 as a third-string quarterback, adds further complexity to Dallas’ future quarterback plans. Deciding between keeping Rush or trading him for assets could impact their roster dynamics in the offseason.