The America’s Team is staring down a quarterback crisis. While Dak Prescott remains the starter, his lingering injury issues have raised concerns about depth at the position. The Cowboys have lost both of their backups. Cooper Rush signed with the Ravens, and Trey Lance headed to the Chargers. Though Jerry Jones and the front office brought in Joe Milton via a trade with the Patriots, relying solely on Dak and Milton might not be enough.

Why didn’t Dallas pick a QB in the draft last week? Having a backup and being extra prepared hurts nobody. But after signing Dak to a four-year contract extension worth $240 million, they couldn’t afford another prospect whom they would have to pay highly. On top of that, they have promised Prescott $231 million in guaranteed money. So that pretty much explains why they couldn’t pick a QB despite having clear needs for one. Anyway, the Cowboys are exploring a more affordable route. As part of their rookie minicamp this weekend, the team has invited Houston Cougars QB Donovan Smith for a tryout.

It’s a low-risk move that could quietly bolster the team’s quarterback depth without denting their cap space. On Wednesday, ESPN reporter Todd Archer reported, “The Cowboys will have former Houston and Texas Tech quarterback Donovan Smith work their rookie minicamp this weekend on a tryout basis. The two practices open to the media on Friday and Saturday will only be about an hour each to serve as an introduction for the rookies.”

Donovan, 23, is coming off an average season, playing only nine games while racking up 867 yards with 4 TDs. He threw eight interceptions last season. In the rookie minicamp, Smith will be fighting with other prospects to win over coaches and earn a spot on the team’s roster. Out of the three days of minicamp, two will be open to the media. So we’ll see what reports come out of those sessions.

Well, when the team needs to make a few additions, it has to create spots for them as well.

Jerry Jones bids adieu to a few Cowboys’ players

Last week, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys brass made nine selections in the draft. This week, they did some roster cleaning, waiving a few players off the team. The official X page of the team’s public relations announced on Wednesday that they are waiving off:

1. OL Jack Anderson
2. RB Malik Davis
3. LB Brock Mogensen
4. And, OL Earl Bostick.

Dallas drafted Alabama’s Tyler Booker in the first round, so it makes sense for them to part with Jack Anderson, especially with Booker likely to fill in for Zack Martin. Anderson joined the team’s practice squad in January this year. He will be leaving without playing any games as a Cowboys player. 

As for Malik Davis, Jerry Jones selected two RBs in this year’s draft: Texas RB Jaydon Blue and Clemson’s Phil Mafah. Davis signed with Dallas as an undrafted free agent in 2022. The Florida alum spent most of his time on the team’s practice squad. And now Malik will likely have to find a new home.

Jerry has his star LB Micah Parsons‘ contract extension pending. In the draft, they selected another LB, Shemar James. Because of this, last year’s undrafted free agent Brock Mogensen had to go. Brock also didn’t see any action during his one-year stint with the team. Similarly, OL Earl Bostick had to leave to make room for the new additions.