Jerry Jones
Getty
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
Might a reunion with the Dallas Cowboys be in store for quarterback Cooper Rush? Rush is currently under contract with the Ravens, but he’s been named a potential cap casualty, and heading back to Dallas could make sense if Baltimore decides to move on.
Rush, 32, went undrafted out of Central Michigan and signed with Dallas in 2017, spending most of his career backing up starter Dak Prescott.
But he signed with Baltimore in March 2025 to back up Lamar Jackson, agreeing to a two-year deal worth up to $12.2 million, with $4.2 million guaranteed.
But after a rough first season with the Ravens, Reid D Hanson of Cowboys Wire thinks a reunion in Dallas is a definite possibility next season.
Could the Dallas Cowboys Re-Sign QB Cooper Rush in 2026?
Baltimore Ravens backup quarterback Cooper Rush
GettyCould the Dallas Cowboys re-sign QB Cooper Rush in 2026?
“During his time in Dallas, Rush proved the importance of having competent and reliable play at QB2,” Hanson wrote on February 3, adding:
“But things didn’t go so well for Rush in Baltimore. Rush was unable to reproduce his success with the Cowboys and stumbled to a 0-2 record as the Ravens starter. He posted just 125.5 yards per game, throwing a combined four interceptions with zero touchdowns. His efforts effectively bumped him to QB3 and now puts him on the chopping block in 2026.”
Rush started 14 regular season games for the Cowboys from 2021 through 2024. In 2024, he was pushed into extended duty and started eight games, throwing for 1,844 yards with 12 touchdowns, along with five interceptions. His solid performance is a big reason why he cashed in last offseason. But that doesn’t mean he’s going to stay in. Baltimore.
“If made a post June cut, the Ravens could save $1,098,000 against the cap by releasing Rush this year,” Hanson also noted. “Rush always looked like an ill-fit behind the dual threat Jackson and now looks like a possible roster cut this offseason. If so, the Cowboys would be wise to give Rush a call.”
What About Current Backup Joe Milton?
Now heading into Year 3, Joe Milton is set to be Prescott’s backup once again, with Will Grier also in the mix. Milton is on a rookie contract, and is slated to make $1.075 million in 2026, which makes him an easy keep from a budget standpoint.
Milton III appeared in four regular season games for the Cowboys in 2025, completing 15 of 24 passes (62.5 %) for 183 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions, posting a passer rating of 65.1. He also ran the ball five times for 50 yards, fumbling once.
Dallas acquired Milton in a trade with the New England Patriots, sending their 2025 fifth-round draft pick (No. 171 overall) to New England in exchange for Milton and a seventh-round pick (No. 217 overall).
The Cowboys like the flashes they’ve seen from Milton, but Rush does have experience playing in Brian Schottenheimer’s system, and the veteran QB knows the building well.
If Rush is cut, the Cowboys would have to decide if it’d be worth it to sign him again, as it would likely be a move that would push the bigger-armed Milton down to the QB3 slot. We’ll see what happens, but if he becomes available, a reunion in 2026 doesn’t seem all that far-fetched.