Ranking the Cowboys backup quarterback options from worst to best

Despite some folks trying desperately to spread another narrative, Dak Prescott is the Dallas Cowboys quarterback.

How long that remains the case is another story, but Prescott is under contract through 2024, and the earliest Dallas could move off his deal is next offseason. If he bounces back after a turnover-prone 2022, it won’t even be a conversation.

Heck, the Cowboys could double down on their conviction in Prescott by extending him this offseason. Doing so would free up nearly $24 million in cap space, and allow the team to get ahead of the market before the bill comes due on the next group of star quarterbacks (Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, etc).

While Dak is unquestionably QB1 for next season, there’s an interesting conversation to be had about his potential backup.

Cooper Rush is a free agent, and Dallas could either draft a prospect in the middle rounds, or pluck a veteran off the free agent market.

With that in mind, let’s rank the Cowboys’ options from worst to best.

Ranking the Cowboys backup QB options from worst to best

4. Mike White

White endeared himself to Jets fans over the last two years with his inspiring play as Zach Wilson’s backup. In 2022, White turned in a three-game stretch in which he looked the part of a serviceable starting quarterback.

White then missed two games with cracked ribs, and put forth an underwhelming performance in a must-win game against Seattle. Clearly not healthy enough to be starting, White didn’t play the season finale.

A former fifth-round pick by the Cowboys in 2018, White’s career record and stats don’t tell the full story of his potential and overall talent. He largely looked a more competent QB than Wilson, a former No. 2 overall pick, and the Jets offensive line hasn’t been able to stay healthy the last two seasons.

A reunion could benefit both parties, but Dallas should pursue alternatives before they attempt to sign the Jets’ locker room favorite.