6 Cowboys Cap Casualty Cuts to Save Millions This Offseason

3. Cooper Rush, QB

Pre-June 1 Savings: $2.25 Million
Pre-June 1 Dead Money: $625,000
Post-June 1 Savings: $2.25 Million
Post-June 1 Dead Money: $625,000

In 2017, Cooper Rush started to earn the respect of Cowboys' fans when he showed up as an undrafted rookie from Central Michigan and played well in the preseason. He fought his way to the roster and while he had just three passing attempts in his first three seasons in the NFL, there was always a belief he could do more if given the chance.

Rush did wind up leaving the team, however, in 2020 as he signed with the New York Giants. He followed Jason Garrett, who took over as the offensive coordinator, but was brought back when Dak Prescott was out and Andy Dalton suffered a concussion late in the year.

By 2021, he was the No. 2 quarterback once again and got his first career start in a Week 8 contest against the Minnestoa Vikings. Rush threw for 325 yards with two touchdowns, including a game-winner. He then started five more games in 2022 and led the Cowboys to a 4-1 record in place of Prescott.

Rush finished that season with 1,051 yards and had five touchdowns against three picks. He didn't see the field nearly as much in 2023, although he did get some garbage-time play and had 144 yards passing.

Now heading into the 2024 season, there's an outside chance Dallas could move on. They added Trey Lance in a trade last year and while some believe they could look to move Lance, there would be no real cap-savings for releasing him. They also wouldn't be guaranteed to get more than the fourth-round pick they surrendered to land the former No. 3 overall selection.

As for Rush, they could save more than $2 million by letting him go. If they believe Lance can start in place of Prescott — in case of an injury — then this could be the way they go.