Who Should I Start? Cooper Rush or Gardner Minshew

Sunday, January 5, 11:33 AM

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance will start against the Washington Commanders in Week 18, according to insider Patrik Walker. Cooper Rush, who tallied 1,844 yards, 12 touchdowns, and five interceptions while filling in for Dak Prescott (hamstring), heads to the bench for Sunday's season finale. This move is not a reflection of Rush's performance but rather gives the Cowboys an opportunity to get extra game film on Lance as they continue to evaluate the quarterback position going forward. Both Rush and Lance are free agents in March, and it's likely that Dallas will only keep one (or zero) of them as Prescott's backup in 2025. In the short-term, Lance, a former No. 3 overall pick, gets a chance to showcase his talents against a Commanders team that intends to play all of its starters. The ex-49er has just 22 passing yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception through limited action in 2024. He ranks as a mid-to-high QB3 in Week 18 with some extra upside thanks to his rushing ability.

Monday, February 17, 10:58 PM

The Athletic's Tashan Reed writes that quarterback Gardner Minshew II was terrible in 10 appearances in 2024 and won't be in the Las Vegas Raiders' plans at quarterback in 2025. The Raider will free up only $3 million in salary cap space this year while taking a dead-money hit of $10.82 million if they cut him, according to Spotrac. However, if they make him a post-June 1 cut, they'll save $6 million in cap space, with the dead-money hit spread across the next two years -- $7.82 million in 2025 and $3 million in 2026. With Minshew likely being cut this offseason, Aidan O'Connell would be the team's clear starter heading into next season, but the Raiders could draft a new signal-caller, sign one on the open market or trade for someone. Minshew was a first-time Pro Bowler in 2023 with the Colts but threw nine TDs and 10 interceptions in Vegas in 2024 and will be a backup option for anyone that picks him up.