Who Should I Start? Derek Carr or Cooper Rush

Saturday, February 22, 12:09 PM

Although reports to this point suggest that the New Orleans Saints will keep quarterback Derek Carr around in new head coach Kellen Moore's first season in 2025, The Athletic's Amos Morale III also points out that Carr is the most obvious cut candidate as well. Moore was non-committal about Carr's future during his introductory press conference, and the Saints are roughly $51 million over the projected 2025 salary cap. Cutting the veteran signal-caller would add to the team's league-leading dead-money total, according to Spotrac, but the Saints have a lot of those contracts coming off the books in 2026. If Moore and his coaching staff decide to stick with Carr, they will at the very least need to restructure his deal. The 33-year-old dealt with more injuries in 2024 and played in a career-low 10 games. Carr has become a pretty big injury risk and will carry a $30 million base salary and $10 million roster bonus in 2025.

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.