Jerry Jones signals Cowboys are not willing to trade QB to Jets

Even though the Dallas Cowboys have a surplus of quarterback talent, owner Jerry Jones made it clear they're not willing to trade one to the New York Jets after Aaron Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 1.

While Cooper Rush would be a good option for New York, Jones indicated Dallas wants to retain the dependable backup.

"I can't imagine what it would be (to make that type of trade)," he said Tuesday on KRLD-FM in Dallas, per The Athletic's Jon Machota. "But the facts are, just as they do, we could need Rush in a play. And we did last year. We did the year before. Boy, especially when you got all the promise we got, to compromise with the depth at that position would be very unlikely."

Over the past two seasons, Rush is 5-1 as a starter. Last season, he led Dallas to four victories in five games after Dak Prescott fractured his right thumb in the season-opener against Tampa Bay. Prescott has not played an entire season since 2019, so it's smart for Dallas to keep a proven backup.

The Jets could roll with Zach Wilson, the second overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. However, the 24-year-old struggled during his first two seasons. He went 8-14, completed 55.2 percent of his passes and threw more interceptions (18) than TDs (15) prior to Monday night's game.

Consequently, the Jets should continue to pursue other veteran QBs. Passers such as Joe Flacco, Carson Wentz, Nick Foles and former league MVP Matt Ryan remain unsigned. 

Regardless, New York must add another QB. The season could be in question after Rodgers' injury, and the Jets need someone to emerge at the most important position.