Jerry Jones Crushes Cooper Rush’s Hopes With Trey Lance Decision After Clearing Stance on Cowboys HC Postition

World’s first franchise to cross the 11-figure threshold and the most valuable franchise for the 9th year in a row, the Dallas Cowboys have failed to live up to their big name. With a 7-9 win-loss record after week 17, Jerry Jones’ team would like to end the 2024 season with a win over Commanders.

After their main QB, Dak Prescott got injured during the week 9 matchup against Falcons, Cooper Rush took over the reins. In 8 games, he has an even win-loss record. But Jones crushed Rush’s hopes by choosing Trey Lance. During the January 3 episode of 105.3 The Fan, the owner, said, “You know, we’re obviously for, if you will, competitive reasons, we’re basically not saying until game day.” Though he didn’t say the name clearly, he previously dismissed such questions. But only postponed it. That shows Trey Lance might play on Sunday. NFL insider Ian Rapoport claimed that Lance would play for more time in the week 18 game.

If he doesn’t play, there could be losses for the 31-year-old quarterback. Jerry Jones’ team had bonuses for performance in Rush’s contract. He has already secured a $250k bonus by playing 45% snaps. He is already at 52.5% snaps. So, if he reaches 55% time, he would earn another $250k. But he needs 65 snaps to achieve that. So, if Trey Lance starts instead of Cooper Rush, he might have to bear a $250k loss.

For the team, both QBs will become free agents after this season. The team has plenty of things to look out for. Despite their win-loss ratios, 5 players from the franchise were chosen for the Pro Bowl. Starting with the O-line, the WR CeeDee Lamb and guard, Tyler Smith, would be going to Orlando. The defense also had many players, LB Micah Parsons, placekicker Brandon Aubrey, and KaVontae Turpin as a return specialist.

It’s an impressive achievement. But a bigger issue waits for them. The expiring contract of the head coach, Mike McCarthy. It remains a mystery.

Jerry Jones talks about the head coach extension

During the same episode, the Cowboys owner talked about the HC situation. He cleared his stance and said, “The hay is in the barn as far as our staff is concerned. I don’t think something would happen out here Sunday that would impact where we’re gonna be as we go forward.” That’s his signature style.

We have seen him confuse everyone by never announcing a clear move. After winning the week 16 game against the Buccaneers, Jerry Jones praised Mike McCarthy. Looks like he changed his mind after the 7-41 drubbing by the Eagles.

The rumor mill is churning out something new every couple of days. According to NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, the franchise would release McCarthy. And he would pursue an HC job at Bears. It’s all in the air now. As Jerry Jones mentioned, the decision has been taken already. Once the season is over, we will find out.