The Dallas Cowboys are navigating a tumultuous season, and with their playoff hopes dimming, questions about the team’s future are mounting. As fans speculate about roster changes and coaching decisions, one thing is clear: this offseason will be pivotal for Dallas.
Potential Trades: Who Could Be on the Move?
The Cowboys may look to acquire draft capital by trading underperforming players. Names like Terence Steele, Donovan Wilson, and even Deuce Vaughn have surfaced as trade candidates. Steele, despite his $16 million per year salary, holds the most value but could be a tough sell given his performance this season.
Wilson, with Dallas’ depth at safety, could fetch some interest, while Vaughn’s limited impact might only help improve later-round draft positioning. Despite fan chatter, trading stars like Micah Parsons is off the table. Parsons’ elite productivity, demonstrated by his two sacks and a forced fumble against the Eagles after returning from injury, makes him untouchable.
As Dana pointed out, come March 2025, the Cowboys must strategize around expiring contracts and find ways to rebuild without sacrificing cornerstone talent.
QB Dilemma: Rush or Lance?
With Dak Prescott out for the season, the quarterback position has become a hot topic. Cooper Rush’s underwhelming Week 10 performance, including turnovers and just 45 passing yards, has many calling for Trey Lance to step up. While head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed Rush will start against the Texans on Monday, his leash may be shortening.
Rush has the trust of the coaching staff due to his past performances, but as Dana suggested, it might be time to test Lance. The Cowboys invested a fourth-round pick in Lance, and with their season slipping away, it could be a low-risk opportunity to evaluate his potential as a backup moving forward.
Is Rush’s Job Safe?
Mike McCarthy has been clear: Rush is the starter for now. However, with the offense struggling and fans clamoring for change, a poor start against the Texans could lead to a quick pivot. Lance, while unproven, brings intrigue, and giving him reps could provide clarity for Dallas’ future.
What’s Next?
As the Cowboys prepare to face the Texans on Monday Night Football, all eyes are on Cooper Rush. His performance could dictate the team’s approach to the rest of the season. Meanwhile, the offseason looms large, with tough decisions about trades and roster construction on the horizon.
This season may feel like a lost cause, but the choices Dallas makes now will shape their trajectory for years to come. Whether it’s giving Lance a shot or offloading underperforming players for draft capital, the Cowboys must be strategic to avoid another disappointing year.