NFL Trade Rumors: Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers tied to $13M Baltimore Ravens quarterback | NFL News
NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reports the Baltimore Ravens are releasing second-string quarterback Cooper Rush. He was in the second year of his $6.2M contract. Rush ruled as backup to Lamar Jackson, but when the Ravens’ longtime QB came back from the Cleveland Browns [Tyler Huntley], his depth chart started spiraling downward. And now, Baltimore re-signed Huntley on a two-year contract worth up to $11M. This leaves Cooper looking for options elsewhere and opens the door to the Green Bay Packers, who are looking for Malik Willis replacement, and the New York Jets, who may want a veteran presence after their recent Geno Smith trade from Las Vegas. Pittsburgh may be interested as well.
Ravens QB Cooper Rush projected for Steelers and Packers
Cooper played for the Dallas Cowboys under head coach Mike McCarthy. Rush is suited for Pittsburgh because McCarthy is the head coach there, and his best years came under him.When Dak Prescott was injured in 2024, he stepped in and went 4-4 in his eight starts, recording a career-best 1,844 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. His total record as a starter in Dallas was 9-5. Pittsburgh is currently waiting on Aaron Rodgers’ decision: whether to retire or return.They are also linked to Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, another veteran competitor for Rush. The Steelers are also among the five teams that have planned Zoom meetings with Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray.As for Green Bay, they recently lost a solid veteran backup for Jordan Love, Malik Willis, to the Miami Dolphins in free agency. They need a veteran presence in the QB room in case Love gets injured.The Packers currently have an in-house option in the form of Desmond Ridder. Ridder played for the Falcons and recorded 2-2 in his rookie season with 708 passing yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions; he also rushed for 64 yards. Lombardi Ave’s Eric Fischer reports that Green Bay will bring in competition for Ridder during training camp and the preseason.‘Rush and Green Bay’ scenario came in the 2023 offseason as well, again in a backup role for Jordan Love. Heavy Sports’ Max Dible reported at the time that Cooper may look for a quick-starting role rather than wait for the role behind Jordan. This may not be the case now. He was a different quarterback in Baltimore. He saw competition for the backup role with Huntley. There was no chance of competing with the starter QB Lamar Jackson. Anyhow, speculation rests.
Cooper Rush for New York Jets despite Geno Smith’s presence
As for the Jets, they recently acquired Geno Smith from Cleveland. Smith is a former Jets player. So, he may become a starter for the 2026 season. Their 2025 starter, Justin Fields, may be headed for a farewell.The Sporting News’ Mike Moraitis reports that New York may need a veteran to compete with rookie Brady Cook. Cook was signed in 2025 as an undrafted free agent. But due to roster cuts, he was signed to the practice squad. Then he made his gridiron presence felt when Fields was made inactive in Week 14. Cook recorded 739 passing yards, two touchdowns, but seven interceptions.As for the 32-year-old Rush, who played in 42 games with a 9-7 record as a starter. He has proved to be a reliable backup and a bridge quarterback. Current Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer describes Cooper as someone who will be great in any room due to his extensive knowledge and experience across several systems. The coach suggests that when a young quarterback is on the roster, a veteran is usually preferred as a backup.Over nine seasons with three teams [Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens, and New York Giants], Rush has accumulated 3,766 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, a 61.1 completion percentage, and an 80.7 passer rating. His career earnings total approx. $13M. Would Cooper play for New York, Pittsburgh, or Green Bay? Remains to be seen…
