The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most iconic and successful franchises in the NFL, are always on the lookout for ways to improve their roster. While the team’s quarterback position is solid with Dak Prescott at the helm, the backup quarterback role remains a crucial and sometimes overlooked position. In the event of an injury or when Prescott needs a rest, the Cowboys need someone who can step in and keep the offense functional. This is where the Dallas Cowboys might want to consider looking at the Oregon Ducks’ quarterback prospects as a potential solution.
In the 2025 NFL Draft or possibly as an undrafted free agent, the Dallas Cowboys could find a valuable backup quarterback from the University of Oregon’s football program. Over the years, Oregon has consistently produced talented quarterbacks who have had varying degrees of success in the NFL. Notable names such as Marcus Mariota and Justin Herbert have had varying impacts in the professional ranks, but the Ducks’ program continues to produce top-tier quarterbacks. The Cowboys could look to Oregon for a backup quarterback who brings youth, talent, and potential to their roster.
The Importance of a Strong Backup Quarterback
Before delving into potential Oregon quarterback targets, it’s essential to understand why the backup quarterback position is so important in the NFL, especially for a team like the Dallas Cowboys. Quarterbacks are the centerpiece of any offense, and injuries to the starting signal caller can have a dramatic effect on a team’s season. While Dak Prescott has been relatively healthy in recent years, he has had his share of injuries, most notably the compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle in 2020.
In the NFL, the backup quarterback must be more than just a placeholder. When called upon, a backup quarterback needs to step in and lead the offense effectively. A well-rounded backup who can manage the game, protect the ball, and make timely throws is critical, especially for a team with Super Bowl aspirations like the Cowboys. If Dak Prescott were to go down again, the Cowboys would need a backup who can keep the offense moving and maintain a chance at success.
Furthermore, many successful teams have had solid backup quarterbacks who have made a difference in critical moments. Teams like the New England Patriots with Jimmy Garoppolo, the Philadelphia Eagles with Nick Foles, and the San Francisco 49ers with Brock Purdy have all experienced success with backup quarterbacks in recent seasons. This highlights how valuable a quality backup QB can be, even if they are not starting on a regular basis.
Oregon Ducks Quarterbacks in the NFL
Oregon’s football program has had a history of producing quarterbacks with the potential to succeed in the NFL. The most prominent names in recent years have been Marcus Mariota and Justin Herbert, but the Ducks consistently recruit top-tier talent at the position, and the program has remained a strong contender in college football.
Marcus Mariota
Marcus Mariota was one of the most successful quarterbacks to ever play for Oregon. After winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 2014, Mariota was drafted by the Tennessee Titans with the second overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. While his career in the NFL has been a bit up and down, Mariota had a solid run as a starter in Tennessee and later as a backup with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Mariota’s success at Oregon was built on his dual-threat ability. He was known for his quick release, accuracy on short and intermediate throws, and his ability to make plays with his legs. Though his NFL career hasn’t gone as expected in terms of becoming an elite starting quarterback, he remains a valuable backup in the league. His experience and skill set would make him a potential asset for teams looking for a veteran presence in the QB room.
Justin Herbert
Justin Herbert, the current starting quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers, is one of the most talented quarterbacks to come out of Oregon in recent memory. Herbert’s powerful arm, impressive athleticism, and ability to make all the throws have made him one of the league’s rising stars. He was drafted by the Chargers in 2020, and since then, he has established himself as one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks.
While Herbert is now firmly entrenched as a starting QB, his time at Oregon demonstrates what the Ducks can offer in terms of quarterback talent. His ability to make quick decisions, throw with velocity, and read defenses is something that could benefit any team. For the Cowboys, targeting a young, talented quarterback like Herbert (if available in a future draft) could be an ideal scenario, but he represents an outlier in terms of the rarity of such a prospect emerging from the Oregon program.
Potential Candidates for the Cowboys’ Backup Quarterback
Now that we’ve established the importance of a solid backup quarterback and the track record of the Oregon Ducks in producing NFL-caliber quarterbacks, let’s look at potential candidates from the University of Oregon who could be on the radar for the Cowboys as they look for a reliable backup.
Bo Nix – Oregon’s Starting Quarterback (2025)
Bo Nix, a senior at Oregon, is one of the most interesting quarterbacks in college football. Nix started his college career at Auburn, where he was a highly-touted recruit. After transferring to Oregon, Nix has flourished under the coaching of Dan Lanning and has displayed significant growth as a passer and leader.
Nix has a strong arm and has shown the ability to make plays both inside and outside the pocket. He has also displayed excellent mobility, which is a crucial trait for a backup quarterback. Nix can make accurate throws on the run and has improved his mechanics as a passer, making him a more refined quarterback than when he first entered college.
In 2024, Nix had one of his best seasons in college football, showcasing his leadership and skills in big moments. He has proven that he can excel in high-pressure situations and could be an excellent fit for a backup role in the NFL. For the Cowboys, Nix would bring experience, a strong arm, and mobility — traits that could be invaluable if he needed to step in for Dak Prescott.
Ty Thompson – Oregon’s Future QB
Ty Thompson is another name to keep an eye on, especially for the future. He’s a young quarterback with a great deal of potential, and his development could allow him to make an impact at the NFL level in the coming years. Thompson is a highly-rated recruit who has had a somewhat limited opportunity to start at Oregon due to the presence of Bo Nix, but his talent is undeniable. Thompson has a strong arm and impressive physical traits that make him an intriguing prospect for teams looking to develop a backup QB.
If the Cowboys were to draft Thompson, they could bring him in as a developmental player behind Dak Prescott. His raw potential could allow him to grow into a reliable backup QB over time. He might not be ready to start immediately, but with the right coaching, he could evolve into a valuable asset for the Cowboys down the line.
The Dallas Cowboys’ Backup QB Strategy
Given the Cowboys’ current roster and aspirations for the future, they should focus on securing a backup quarterback who can step in and manage games if Dak Prescott were to miss time due to injury. A quarterback with mobility, a strong arm, and good decision-making skills would be ideal for this role.
Bo Nix would be a more immediate option, as he has experience leading a high-powered offense and can adapt to the fast-paced nature of the NFL. However, Ty Thompson represents a more long-term investment, offering upside that the Cowboys could develop over a few years.
Whether the Cowboys target a quarterback from Oregon in the 2025 NFL Draft or look to secure one as an undrafted free agent, the Ducks program offers talent that could bolster the Cowboys’ quarterback depth chart. Having a strong backup quarterback could ultimately make the difference in a playoff run, and the Cowboys would be wise to consider all their options.
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