Who Should I Start? Cooper Rush or Baker Mayfield

Sunday, March 16, 12:16 PM

Former Dallas Cowboys free-agent quarterback Cooper Rush agreed on Sunday to a two-year deal worth up to $12.2 million with the Baltimore Ravens, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Rush now becomes the new backup to starter Lamar Jackson. The 31-year-old former undrafted free agent out of Central Michigan debuted in the NFL in 2017 with the Dallas Cowboys and has spent all seven of his seasons in the league with Dallas. Rush saw his most run in 2024 after Dak Prescott suffered a season-ending torn hamstring. The veteran signal-caller played in 12 games (eight starts) and completed 60.7 percent of his 308 pass attempts for 1,844 yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions. Rush has 3,463 career passing yards with 20 TDs and 10 interceptions in 38 games played (14 starts). He's unlikely to see the field much in Baltimore, with Jackson missing one game in the last two seasons.

Thursday, April 3, 7:26 PM

Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reworked quarterback Baker Mayfield's contract to free up cap space. The Bucs converted Mayfield's $30 million base salary to a roster bonus, freeing up nearly $15 million. The team also added a void year for proration purposes in 2029. Tampa Bay has been resourceful this offseason, moving money around for Mayfield in addition to offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. All in all, the Buccos saved $50.12 million over the next few seasons. It seems unlikely that the money moves are in anticipation of signing a big-ticket asset and more so for down the road. Mayfield is entering his third season with the squad and will look to build off his spectacular 2024.