Cooper Rush
Getty
The Ravens have released backup quarterback Cooper Rush
The Baltimore Ravens have been in the news quite a bit over the past 48 hours. After backing out of their blockbuster trade with the Las Vegas Raiders for superstar defensive end Maxx Crosby due to a failed physical, the Ravens promptly turned around and signed the best remaining defensive lineman in free agency, Trey Hendrickson, to a four-year, $112 million contract.
The Ravens’ front office has followed up their stunning change of tune on their trade for Crosby by rattling off several more moves. While a handful of new faces are set to arrive in town in the near future, it sounds like one player from last year’s team, quarterback Cooper Rush, will have to begin looking for a new home in the NFL.
Ravens Release Backup Quarterback Cooper Rush
Ari Meirov
The #Ravens have informed QB Cooper Rush that he is being released.
He started two games for Baltimore last season.
Rush latched on with the Dallas Cowboys in 2017 as an undrafted free agent, and he ended up establishing himself as Dak Prescott’s backup. After briefly spending time with the New York Giants in 2020, Rush quickly returned to the Cowboys. While his ceiling is limited, Rush proved himself to be capable of holding down the fort in Prescott’s absence.
Last offseason, Baltimore signed Rush to a two-year, $6.2 million deal to come in and be Lamar Jackson’s backup. The problem is that the Ravens run an offensive scheme that simply is not tailored to Rush, who is a pure pocket passer. As a result, when he had to fill in for Jackson, he struggled (32/54, 303 YDS, 0 TD, 4 INT), and he ended up getting benched in favor of Tyler Huntley.
After the team re-signed Huntley to remain Jackson’s backup earlier this offseason, the writing appeared to be on the wall for Rush. Sure enough, in the wake of all the chaos surrounding Crosby and Hendrickson, reports emerged indicating that Rush was getting released by the Ravens, meaning he is once again looking for a new team to join.
“The Ravens have informed QB Cooper Rush that he is being released. He started two games for Baltimore last season,” Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team reported in a post on X.
Ravens Continue Aggressive Plan of Attack This Offseason
Cooper Rush Baltimore Ravens
GettyCooper Rush #15 of the Baltimore Ravens.
The decision to move on from Rush isn’t much of a surprise, as he simply was not a fit with the Ravens. Given his dual-threat abilities, Huntley is a much more sensible replacement for Jackson, should the latter be forced to miss time. With a new coaching staff taking over, Baltimore wants to make sure everyone is on the same page at the most important position on the field.
What the future holds for Rush is unknown. After struggling so much during his limited action with the Ravens, it may be tough for him to find a new landing spot. As he prepares to enter his age-33 season, though, Rush has a wealth of experience that could prove useful for a team that is looking to develop a younger quarterback. Rush will likely take some time to assess his options, but it’s safe to say his brief stint with Baltimore was a pretty big failure.