Despite Dak Prescott’s recent injuries, the Dallas Cowboys has not made the backup quarterback position a priority since signing Andy Dalton in the 2020 offseason. Prescott suffered shoulder and calf injuries last season, but still played in every game except one.
Prescott also had multiple surgeries on his right ankle following season-ending injuries suffered October 11, 2020. By looking at their division rivals in Philadelphia, the Cowboys might be able to strengthen their quarterback depth behind Prescott. Jalen Hurts has been confirmed by the Eagles once more, which could mean that veteran Gardner Minshew can be traded.
There are some issues that the Cowboys will need to overcome in order to reach a deal with Eagles. Not least because Philadelphia is unlikely to be eager to trade within their division. The Cowboys as well as the Eagles are willing to compromise in order to reach a deal. The Eagles recently moved up from No. 12 to No. 10 to land DeVonta Smith, a receiver in the 2021 NFL Draft. Dallas still managed to land Micah Parsons at Number. 12 – A move that the Cowboys would make again, given that the linebacker was one the most productive rookies last year.
To land Minshew, Philadelphia gave up only a conditional sixth round pick to go to the Jaguars. It could still be worth Dallas a future fifth round draft pick to ensure that they have QB insurance in the event Prescott is ever again injured.
Minshew will be entering his final year of his $2.7 million rookie deal. He is expected to earn a $2.5million salary in 2022. Last season, Minshew threw for 439 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception. He also completed 68.3% of his passes in his four appearances which included two starts.
Over his three NFL seasons, the Eagles’ signal-caller has 22 career starts. Minshew’s greatest season was in 2019, when he threw for 3,271 yard , 21 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He also completed 60.6% of his passes over 14 games. Minshew’s playmaking quarterback is also dangerous, with his legs adding 344 yards rushing in the same season.
Cooper Rush was a great backup. He ran the Cowboys to victory in Week 8. It is not enough to have one great game. You need to be consistent over the course of a career. Minshew might not be the ideal quarterback for every team, but he has proven enough in the NFL to allow the Cowboys faith in him when he is called upon. Minshew, like Prescott is a dual threat that would allow the Cowboys’ to run a similar offense in case their franchise quarterback becomes incapacitated.
Minshew may not be a priority for the Eagles due to Hurts’ inconsistencies. However, the Cowboys might offer a trade offer that could make Minshew more attractive. Minshew is not only a better quarterback for 2022, but could also be the Cowboys long-term solution to being Prescott’s backup.