One thing is abundantly clear as the Dallas Cowboys methodically build their roster heading into 2017's training camp – the team is not content with simply handing Kellen Moore the backup QB position behind Dak Prescott. Under Head Coach Jason Garrett, the Cowboys have been built on competition, and Moore has seen Dallas sign journeyman Zac Dysert, retain UDFA QB Cooper Rush, and now schedule a workout with former Baylor starter Seth Russell all this offseason.
Former #Baylor QB Seth Russell telling me via text he has a workout with the @dallascowboys on Monday. #NFL @S_Russell17
The lack of a solid backup quarterback was something that obviously plagued the Cowboys over Tony Romo's career, a spot they tried to ideally fix by drafting Prescott. With the Cowboys heading full speed into the future with Dak as the starter now – a young, healthy, and mobile QB – the time is now to consider all long-term options behind him.
Russell sat behind New York Jets QB Bryce Petty in 2013 and 2014, finally getting his shot in the Bears' pass-happy attack in 2015.
Baylor's system has not produced many NFL-ready passers (Petty has yet to get his shot with the Jets), and Russell was only able to start 17 games in his career there due to injuries. In just seven starts in 2015, Seth threw for 29 touchdowns to six interceptions.
A second straight season ending injury deflated Russell's draft stock in 2016, as he left many more questions than answers on the field and ultimately went undrafted. Now, the Garland, Texas native has earned a shot with the Cowboys.
Russell's fit with the Cowboys as a developmental backup makes sense, as a mobile quarterback that could come in and run some of the same offense Scott Linehan has designed for Dak Prescott. Russell may struggle with his overall accuracy, but shows off some nice touch and velocity from the pocket to allow his receivers to make plays.
In the traditional sense of the term, there will be no “quarterback competition” in Oxnard at the Cowboys' training camp. The future has never been brighter in Dallas with Dak Prescott as the starter, but the QB2 spot has still left a lot to be desired. Should Russell impress at his Monday workout and sign, plenty of intriguing arms will now be fighting for this position.
