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An NFL writer projects a fascinating NFC team as the next landing spot for Dallas Cowboys backup quarterback Cooper Rush.

The 31-year-old Cooper Rush is slated to become a free agent after the 2024 season, and the opportunity to start elsewhere may prompt him to leave Dallas when the new league year begins.

Rush has started eight games this season in favor of an injured Dak Prescott, whose 2024 campaign was limited to eight games before requiring surgery on a hamstring injury. Rush has fared well with a 60.7 completion percentage for 1,844 yards and 12 touchdowns against five interceptions.

Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports recently projected where the top 2025 NFL quarterback draft prospects, free agents and trade candidates will land. Benjamin projects that Cooper Rush will sign with the Carolina Panthers and back up Bryce Young.

Rush has a 9-5-0 record as the Cowboys’ starting quarterback, saving their season in 2022 by winning four of five starts after Prescott suffered a thumb injury. Rush has 12 touchdowns and only five interceptions for his career.

The Cowboys (7-9) will wrap up their 2024 season with a home tilt against the NFC East rival Washington Commanders.

Carolina Would Be An Ideal Landing Spot For Cooper Rush

Realistically, no NFL team would sign Rush with the idea of making him their Week 1 starter in 2025. But next season will be a make-or-break year for Bryce Young, and that’s why Rush would be the ideal signing for GM Dan Morgan.

Adding an experienced backup like Rush would put the pressure on Young to perform. And if he struggles, Carolina could go to Rush and see how he’d fare as a short-term solution behind center.

The bottom line is that with the way he’s produced on a struggling Dallas team in 2024, Rush promises to be one of the most sought-after backup quarterbacks in free agency.