​The Sporting News has named the New York Jets among teams that could sign a former Cowboys starting quarterback, and you can add The Sporting News as a preferred source by clicking here. The Jets, whose quarterback situation remains visible but unsettled even after bringing in Geno Smith, face several tough decisions in the coming months. While there are multiple directions they could pursue, securing a veteran backup is likely at the top of the priority list. Recently, The Athletic highlighted Cooper Rush as a potential option for New York.
Rush, who started multiple games for Dallas when Dak Prescott was sidelined, isn’t a bad candidate for the Jets to consider. As The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt noted, Rush had initial interest from the Jets earlier this offseason, and although it seems unlikely that a signing would occur before training camp, nothing can be ruled out if other options fail to stand out. Rush is 32 years old, has started 16 NFL games and won nine of them, but his completion percentage sits at 61.1 percent. For a team in need of a dependable presence behind Smith, Rush could offer a familiar, solid option.
There are certainly better quarterbacks available for a long-term solution, but given the Jets’ current roster and financial constraints, adding a player like Rush could make the most sense. The real question is whether Rush would be willing to come to New York as a backup, knowing that Smith is expected to serve as the starter.
The Jets’ decision-making will also hinge on broader considerations about their quarterback room and the level of competition they want behind Smith. If the Jets are reluctant to sacrifice future assets to bring in a high-end veteran, a veteran presence like Rush could provide depth, leadership, and experience without forcing the organization to part with significant draft capital or young players.
In other NFL news, discussions around the 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk, the Falcons’ Bijan Robinson, and the Lions’ Jameer Gibbs have captured attention, while ESPN’s roster rankings for 2026 continue to shape teams’ strategic planning. The Raiders reportedly pitched a package involving Maxx Crosby to acquire George Pickens, and the Commanders added former Eagles Super Bowl champion Rasul Douglas to their free-agent haul. The Seattle Seahawks still sit behind only the Rams and Eagles in ESPN’s 2026 roster rankings, highlighting how ongoing roster optimization remains a league-wide priority as teams position themselves for the coming seasons.