The Dallas Cowboys haven’t made any external free agent signing yet, but the front office has been hard at work retaining internal players.
Earlier this week, we covered the re-signing of Donovan Wilson and Leighton Vander Esch, along with the trade to bring Stephon Gilmore to Dallas. Then, there was the release of Ezekiel Elliott.
But Cowboys executives have continued inking deals with internal free agents. Below, we’ll cover all the major signings the Cowboys have made to end the week.
Cowboys Retain Cooper Rush
On Friday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport broke news that Rush will be returning to the Cowboys on a two-year, $6 million deal. There were rumors that Rush would join Kellen Moore and the Los Angeles Chargers, but that clearly won’t be happening.
This is a great deal for Dallas because it’s inexpensive. Plus, it keeps continuity in the QB room and with Cowboys pass catchers.
Cooper joined Dallas as an undrafted rookie in 2017. In his first four seasons, he started just one game and made 10 regular season appearances. But in 2022 when Dak Prescott fractured his thumb in Week 1, Rush was forced to start five games.
Vibes were bleak in Dallas and for good reason. Few, if any, fans had faith that Rush could keep the Cowboys afloat while Prescott recovered from injury. But Cooper exceeded all expectations.
He went 4-1 as a starter, throwing for 956 yards and five touchdowns. Rush’s strong play even allowed the Cowboys to push back Dak’s return because the team had confidence Cooper could deliver.
Rush’s numbers weren’t flashy, but he was stellar at avoiding turnovers. Through his first four starts, he didn’t throw a single interception. He’s an ideal backup QB.
Cowboys Bring Back A Special Teams Ace
On Thursday, NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that CB C.J. Goodwin would be returning on a one-year contract. Goodwin joined the Cowboys in 2018 and his role on special teams has grown with each passing season.
Special teams wasn’t Dallas’ strong suit a few years ago. But when ST coordinator John Fassel took over in 2020, that quickly changed. Goodwin was a major part of that turnaround.
Is A Larger Move Looming?
The decision to release Elliott saved the Cowboys $10.9 million in cap space. But that money won’t come off the books until June 1.
But earlier this offseason, the Cowboys restructured the contracts of Prescott, Zack Martin, Michael Gallup, Tyron Smith and DeMarcus Lawrence. To start the offseason, Dallas had -$7 million in cap space. Now, they’ve got $26 million in cap space.
Are the Cowboys preparing to sign WR Odell Backham Jr., or another big-name free agent? Time will tell.
