Should the Dallas Cowboys trade for a backup quarterback?

The Dallas Cowboys are just 16 days away from their season opener against the defending Super Bowl champions, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, Dallas’ star quarterback Dak Prescott hasn’t been involved much throughout training camp and their preseason games. This leaves the question if the former Pro Bowl quarterback will be ready for week 1.

Although the 28-year-old quarterback has done some light throwing the past week, there’s still a reason to be concerned with Prescott. NFL insider for ESPN, Adam Schefter, said that the former Mississippi State star will not be fully healthy at all this upcoming season. This most likely sent Dallas fans into a frenzy thinking this will be 2.0 from last season.

However, Prescott has reportedly had zero setbacks with his shoulder strain and will be ready for their season opener. The Cowboys could just be extremely cautious with their franchise quarterback or much more could be going on behind the scenes.

If Prescott is healthy or not for their first game and throughout the season, the Dallas Cowboys probably can’t fall into the same situation as they did last season. In 2020, Dallas rotated between quarterbacks Andy Dalton, Garrett Gilbert, and Ben DiNucci.

Dalton had the most starts on the team (9) and finished with a 4-5 record last season. However, the former TCU product is now with the Chicago Bears on a one-year deal.

As a result, that leaves just Gilbert and DiNucci as potential backup options. Additionally, the Cowboys signed quarterback Cooper Rush who was with the team from 2017-2019.

These three quarterbacks aren’t likely the most appealing names if Prescott does suffer some type of setback. They only have 486 total passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception combined between them in their careers. This is possibly not a “good” enough group to lead Dallas to the playoffs without Prescott.

Who should the Dallas Cowboys try to trade for?

Although Dallas will probably not acquire a big name via trade if Prescott isn’t ready, there are still vital options that the Cowboys could target. Two names that could be backups are Chicago Bears’ quarterback Nick Foles and Jacksonville Jaguars’ quarterback Gardner Minshew.

With Foles set to be Chicago’s third-string quarterback, a move for the 10-year veteran could help both sides. The former Super Bowl MVP hasn’t found much success after leading Philadelphia to their first title ever. However, his experience could give the Cowboys a boost as a solid backup.

Additionally, a deal for the 32-year-old quarterback likely wouldn’t cost the Cowboys too much. They would probably have to only give up a sixth or seventh-round pick to acquire Foles.

On the other hand, the Dallas Cowboys could want a younger, more mobile quarterback like Minshew, if Prescott were not to be ready. The former sixth-round pick has been better than people give him.

In his short two-year career, Minshew has a completion percentage of 62.9 percent to go with 37 passing touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and almost 500 rush yards on the ground. He also has thrown for over 5,500 yards in 20 starts.

Minshew isn’t probably going to help this team win 10+ games. However, he has the tools and capability to fill in when needed. If the Dallas Cowboys really don’t think Prescott will be ready for week one or are worried that he won’t be fully healthy throughout the season, they could make a move to acquire one of these quarterbacks.