UPDATED (May 7 at 5 p.m.): Veteran quarterback Jeff Driskel was at The Star Friday to visit with coaches and team officials.
While the free agent had what one source characterized as a “great visit,’' he left without a contract. Another source said the club isn’t signing Driskel at this time but left the door open.
Free agent QB Jeff Driskel had what one source characterized today as a “great visit” with the Cowboys. There remains a strong chance he signs, becomes favorite to serve as No. 2 quarterback. We’ll see on timing. Might not necessarily be today. https://t.co/p8oDHyJC1E
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) May 7, 2021
The Cowboys have three quarterbacks on the roster behind Dak Prescott. But Andy Dalton, the veteran who took over last season after Prescott was lost for the season to injury, departed in free agency for Chicago.
The News’ Calvin Watkins and David Moore contributed to this report.
Original Story: In last week’s defense-heavy draft, Cowboys were unable to add competition to their backup quarterback battle.
That box likely will be checked soon
Free agent quarterback Jeff Driskel flew into town on Thursday for a Friday visit with the team, a source said. There is a real chance not only that Driskel will sign a contract but become the favorite to serve as Dak Prescott’s primary backup in 2021.
Driskel, 28, has made nine career NFL starts for the Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions and Denver Broncos over the past three years.
The three reserve quarterbacks currently on the Cowboys’ depth chart — Garrett Gilbert, Ben DiNucci and Cooper Rush — have combined for two. Rush has thrown only three career passes. Andy Dalton, the No. 2 quarterback last year, signed a one-year, $10 million contract in March with the Chicago Bears.
“We have three young guys we’re enjoying developing,” coach Mike McCarthy said on April 27, two days before the draft. “All four quarterbacks have participated in everything that’s been available to them [this spring], so they’re making progress. I’ll just point to Andy Dalton, when he was acquired last year. It speaks to you’re always looking to upgrade that position, whether it’s via the draft or free agency. I will say we definitely want to add some competition to the room.”
Along with experience, Driskel offers athleticism.
He ran the fastest 40-yard dash at the 2016 NFL combine of any quarterback, clocking at 4.56 seconds. That athleticism makes for an ideal reserve to Prescott, who has consistently impressed the Cowboys this offseason with his progress from an October ankle dislocation and open fracture.
One of Driskel’s nine NFL starts came against Dallas in 2019. While with the Lions, he threw for 209 yards and two touchdowns, running for another 51 yards and a touchdown.
The Cowboys brought out the best in Driskel before.
Maybe they can again.
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