The Dallas Cowboys have made a number of changes over the past few seasons to the backup quarterback position. After last year's injury to Dak Prescott, the franchise was given more than enough of Cooper Rush, causing the team to part ways with the veteran and land current Dallas backup Joe Milton. It was a sensible move that gives the Cowboys far more upside if Dak continues to struggle with injuries.
However, this wouldn't be the only Dallas depth piece to find a new landing spot this offseason, with Ben DiNucci announcing his own signing. The former Cowboy has signed with the Atlanta Falcons. It seems Atlanta isn't completely happy with Emory Jones or Easton Stick as the emergency option. Michael Penix Jr. is the expected starter for the franchise, while Kirk Cousins remains on the roster as the primary backup.
DiNucci is being brought in simply to compete for a depth position. For Atlanta, it still seems the most likely way that this plays out is with Stick taking the emergency role and the franchise using DiNucci or Jones as a practice squad option. None of the trio is terribly exciting, but a move makes sense when you consider Atlanta's preseason results thus far.
Football news.
— Ben DiNucci (@B_DiNucci6) August 18, 2025
I signed with the Falcons this morning.
Source - myself (credible)
Former Cowboys Quarterback Ben DiNucci Finds New Landing Spot
DiNucci started his career with the Cowboys, being selected in the draft's final round and spending parts of the next three years in Dallas. After this, DiNucci would land in the XFL before making his NFL return with the Denver Broncos. This tenure ended in the same fashion, with the quarterback being waived and spending time with the Bills and Saints before meeting the same fate.
For his Falcons tenure to end any differently, things are going to have to fall his way in the final week of the preseason. DiNucci needs a huge final performance to make it clear he is a far better option than Stick. This is an extremely tall task to accomplish in just a week's time. However, the fact that the Falcons added to the position in the first place opens the door.
Dallas might have zero interest in a reunion, but it is easy to pull for the quarterback's underdog story to take a step forward after years of frustrations. Simply making Atlanta's roster would be a huge accomplishment. One Cowboys fans can't help but hope for despite DiNucci's frustrating tenure in Dallas.