Cooper Rush is an American football quarterback known for his time with the Dallas Cowboys and his role as a reliable backup quarterback. Over the years, he has earned opportunities in the NFL through consistent preparation, experience, and his ability to step into the starting lineup when needed.
cooper rush salary has attracted attention from football fans who want to know how much NFL backup quarterbacks earn. Although Rush has not received the enormous contracts associated with superstar quarterbacks, he has built a professional career through multiple contracts and several seasons in the league.
As of 2026, Rush is listed with the Atlanta Falcons. His reported 2026 contract value is $1.3 million, according to contract-tracking data. His earnings and career contracts reflect the financial opportunities available to experienced NFL quarterbacks.
What Is Cooper Rush’s Salary in 2026?
Cooper Rush’s reported 2026 contract is valued at approximately $1.3 million. Contract-tracking data lists his 2026 cash payout at $1.3 million and his salary-cap charge at approximately $1.075 million.
These figures are different because an NFL player’s cash compensation and salary-cap accounting do not always match. Bonuses, contract structures, and league accounting rules can affect the amount charged against a team’s cap.
Rush previously signed a two-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens in 2025 that was reported at approximately $6.2 million, including $4 million in guaranteed money. Baltimore released him in March 2026, and he subsequently joined Atlanta.
His current salary should not be confused with his total career earnings. Career earnings include money received under contracts from previous seasons, including base salaries, signing bonuses, and other compensation.
Cooper Rush’s Contract Details
Cooper Rush’s NFL contracts have changed as his experience and role have developed.
- Player: Cooper Rush
- Position: Quarterback
- Current team listed in 2026: Atlanta Falcons
- Reported 2026 contract value: $1.3 million
- Reported 2026 cash payout: $1.3 million
- Reported 2026 salary-cap charge: $1.075 million
- Previous team: Baltimore Ravens
- College: Central Michigan University
Contract figures can vary between salary databases because they may report base salary, total contract value, cash payments, and cap charges separately. The exact amount Rush receives depends on the applicable contract terms.
How Much Did Cooper Rush Earn With the Dallas Cowboys?
Rush joined the Dallas Cowboys in 2017 as an undrafted free agent after playing college football at Central Michigan University. He spent several seasons with the organization and became familiar to Cowboys fans as a backup to Dak Prescott.
His time in Dallas gave him opportunities to develop as a professional quarterback. Backup quarterbacks must prepare for games even when they are not expected to start, studying opponents, learning offensive schemes, and remaining ready to play if the starter becomes unavailable.
Rush’s most notable opportunities came when Prescott was injured. During the 2022 season, Rush helped the Cowboys win several games while filling in as the starter. His performances demonstrated that he could manage an NFL offense and compete against experienced defenses.
He returned to the starting role in 2024 after Prescott suffered a season-ending hamstring injury. Rush started eight games that season, throwing for 1,844 yards and 12 touchdowns.
His time with Dallas helped establish his value as an experienced backup quarterback who could step into a starting role when required.
Cooper Rush’s Baltimore Ravens Contract
In 2025, Rush signed a two-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens worth approximately $6.2 million. The agreement reportedly included $4 million in guaranteed money and a signing bonus of $2.745 million.
The contract offered Rush an opportunity to serve as a backup to Lamar Jackson. Experienced backup quarterbacks can be important to teams because they provide depth at a position where injuries can quickly affect a team’s season.
Rush appeared in four games for Baltimore during the 2025 season. However, the team released him in March 2026 after deciding to bring Tyler Huntley back into the quarterback group.
The Ravens contract illustrates how a player’s salary can change significantly when moving between teams. A contract’s value depends on the player’s role, experience, the team’s needs, and the competition for roster positions.
Which Factors Affect Cooper Rush’s Salary?
Several factors influence how much Rush can earn in the NFL.
Experience
Rush has spent multiple seasons in the league and has started games during his career. This experience can make him a valuable option for teams looking for a quarterback who understands professional offensive systems.
Performance
A quarterback’s statistics, decision-making, and ability to protect the football can influence contract opportunities. Teams evaluate both passing production and the player’s ability to manage the offense.
Role on the Team
Starting quarterbacks generally earn more than backup quarterbacks because they have greater responsibilities and a larger effect on team performance. Rush has mostly served as a backup, although he has started games when injuries created opportunities.
Team Needs
NFL teams regularly evaluate their quarterback depth. Injuries, roster changes, and competition for backup positions can influence whether a player receives a new contract or moves to another organization.
Cooper Rush’s Career Statistics
Rush’s career includes several seasons as a backup and multiple opportunities to start games.
His most productive season as a starter came in 2024 with Dallas, when he threw for 1,844 yards and 12 touchdowns. During the 2022 season, he also helped the Cowboys win games while Prescott was unavailable.
These performances helped Rush demonstrate that he could provide valuable depth at quarterback. While his career has not involved the same level of individual recognition as top NFL stars, remaining in the league for multiple seasons is an achievement in a highly competitive profession.
Career statistics can change from season to season, so his latest passing totals should be checked against current NFL records.
How Does Cooper Rush’s Salary Compare With Other NFL Quarterbacks?
The NFL has a wide range of quarterback salaries. Elite starters can sign contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars, while backup quarterbacks typically earn much less.
The difference reflects the responsibilities and market value of each role. Franchise quarterbacks are expected to lead their teams for years, make high-pressure decisions, and perform consistently against top defenses.
Backup quarterbacks must also be prepared, but they may receive fewer playing opportunities. Their value comes from experience, readiness, and the ability to provide stability when a starter cannot play.
Rush’s career shows that a quarterback does not need to be a perennial starter to establish a long-term professional career. Experienced backups can earn substantial salaries over time through multiple contracts.
Conclusion
Cooper Rush has built his NFL career through experience, preparation, and opportunities with teams including the Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens, and Atlanta Falcons. His reported 2026 contract value is approximately $1.3 million, although salary-cap charges and cash compensation can differ.
His career also demonstrates the importance of backup quarterbacks in professional football. While they may not earn the same contracts as the league’s biggest stars, experienced backups can play crucial roles when injuries or roster changes create opportunities.
Rush’s journey from an undrafted player to an experienced NFL quarterback shows how persistence and preparation can help a player build a lasting professional career.
