Bengals were reportedly close to adding backup QB in free agency
For the past three seasons, the Cincinnati Bengals' quarterback room has featured Joe Burrow as the starter, and Brandon Allen as the backup. As of now, Allen remains unsigned as a free agent, and the Bengals may be looking to move on to something different. That alternative was almost Dallas Cowboys QB Cooper Rush. During […]
For the past three seasons, the Cincinnati Bengals' quarterback room has featured Joe Burrow as the starter, and Brandon Allen as the backup.
As of now, Allen remains unsigned as a free agent, and the Bengals may be looking to move on to something different.
That alternative was almost Dallas Cowboys QB Cooper Rush.
During the first week of free agency, the Cowboys re-signed Rush to a two-year, $5 million deal. Per Nick Eatman of the team's official website, Rush wasn't a sure thing to come back.
The 29-year old passer was entertaining an offer from the Bengals or Las Vegas Raiders.
"From the sound of things, the Cowboys got pretty lucky that he returned. He was getting close to taking another offer with either the Raiders or Bengals. But I don't think he ever really wanted to leave." – Nick Eatman, dallascowboys.com
Rush proved his worth as a backup quarterback when Dak Prescott when down with injury early in the 2022 season. He made his first start against none other than the Bengals in Week 2 and played admirably in a 20-17 victory. He ended up starting five games, four of them were Cowboys wins.
Dallas' offense was talented enough for Rush to be successful, and it makes sense why the Bengals would value that. Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd, and an offensive line that just added Orlando Brown can elevate a limited quarterback. Rush also has better athleticism and arm talent than Allen has at this stage of their careers, so he'd be an upgrade in general.
There's still plenty of time for the Bengals to re-sign Allen this offseason, but this report indicates the Bengals could be looking for more behind their franchise centerpiece.
