When Andy Dalton signed with the Cowboys ahead of the 2020 season, the goal was career rehabilitation. His time as the starter in Cincinnati had come to an end, and he joined a loaded Dallas offense with the hopes that he could put good play on film if Dak Prescott were to go down.
Well…he sort of got what he wanted? Dalton played about as well as you could’ve hoped for as a veteran backup quarterback, and recently signed with the Chicago Bears to become their starter in 2021.
Back in Dallas, the Cowboys now have a very unproven and shaky quarterback room behind their franchise guy Dak Prescott.
Garrett Gilbert, Cooper Rush, and Ben DiNucci are all under contract for the 2021 season. But none of them have done much to prove they deserve to be the bonafide backup heading into the year. Gilbert had the best 2020 performance of any of the three guys mentioned here, but that’s not exactly a high bar to clear.
Given that Dak Prescott is expected to be completely healthy for this season, the Cowboys may be able to get away with these inexperienced backups in 2021. Outside of a freak injury last year, Prescott has been an iron-man of sorts, never missing a start.
They would be silly to trust their QB2 spot to one of these three without any competition, though.
There are some intriguing names out there for the Cowboys to consider.
Former Texas Longhorn Colt McCoy is a guy who Cowboys fans have been following as a backup possibility for quite some time, and he is currently a free agent. Alex Smith could provide an extra layer of leadership and inspiration to the team, while also guiding Dak Prescott on his own return from a vicious injury. Then there’s guys like Robert Griffin III, who have become comfortable as steady backups at this point in their careers.
Regardless of who the Cowboys land on as their QB2 for 2021, they should look to add another piece through free agency who can compete for the job this Summer.
GG looked good in his one game, but hard to access in just one game. That said, I liked what I saw against a good Steeler D. McCoy has more experience and would be a good backup also.
I’d go with Smith , he’d be a great locker room guy and in the off chance (pray it won’t) Dak gets hurt again , he’s someone who can rally a team together to still salvage what we can for the rest of the season
Get Smith, he did a good job beating us last year with washington forget about the x QB long horn . Just my opinion.
Johnny Manziel
I would go with Gilbert everyone keeps saying he’s unproven so was Dak until he had chance to play and that adrenaline he came out the gate with was unbelievable. Now his head barely fits through the door. Don’t disrespect that man he needs a chance too let’s hope he gets it without it comes without someone has to be hurt. Just some 20pts leads and let he gets some playing time. All this 4th quarter come backs are getting old. Promote from within Gilbert #2QB
I don’t think we should put too many resources into a backup quarterback to be honest. Garrett Gilbert should be our primary backup, DiNucci the project quarterback, and cut Rush. Gilbert is a serviceable backup, we’re fine.
I’m guessing A Smith is out of our pay range, plus I think he still sees himself as a starter. I don’t think the cowboys would allocate more then a few million for a backup.
I would be okay with developing Gilbert. He looked very composed and accurate against the Steelers. Let’s face it if you lose ur starting QB for an extended time ur season is over anyway. Now if they go out for a few games a good backup can keep u afloat and salvage a season until the starter returns.
Really like car or health insurance insurance. U may not use it – And they are all the same until u need to use it- then ur glad u picked a good one.
Agree. On both points.
Gilbert would be best because similar style to dak.
Ben Dinucci Should be the back-up Quarter back . With some work he will develop into a franchise Quarter Back if giving a chance . Jerry Jones you gave Troy A Chance when you took over the team . Remember that First Year you guy were 1 win 15 lost that year. Ben has potential . During his College years he reminded me of Joe Thiesman and Joe Montana. Wake up Jerry !
Looked to me like Gilbert did a lot better than Dalton
Couldn’t understand why they put Dalton in.
They should have stayed with Gilbert in my opinion
I would agree in letting Gilbert get his chance. Alex Smith would also be a great add, after all he did train Patrick Mahones and he did a great job with him. Better yet get Alex Smith as a QB coach
Colt McCoy
If the price is right, I would like Alex Smith as the #1 backup. Great mentor for the team. Also would be comfortable with Gilbert. He displayed great qualities, although one game is a very small sample size. As for Dinucci…… boy he was terrible. Not a problem if they let him go.
Did any of you’ll see Ben play earlier this season ? He doesn’t even belong in the NFL…He’s pitiful…Colt McCoy would be my backup to Dak…With Gilbert on the scout team…Cut Rush and Ben….Resolution resolved!!!!