How can the Dallas Cowboys save their 2022 season?

The Dallas Cowboys woke Monday to the awful realization that their 2022 NFL season is likely over after just 60 minutes of action. But wait a minute, there is still a way to save everything.

Starting QB Dak Prescott has been ruled out for 6-8 weeks after having surgery on a thumb injury on his throwing hand – ruling him out of action until around mid-season. The ‘Boys’ were already without All Pro LT Tyron Smith, who went down in camp with a knee injury.

Throw in the fact Dallas looked awful in an opening 19-3 loss to Tampa Bay on Sunday Night Football, you could be forgiven for thinking the ballgame is officially over for 2022.

Sportsbooks certainly believe that is the case – pushing the Cowboys out to +5000 from +2200 to win Super Bowl LVII, and out to +2600 from +1000 to become NFC champions. They are a shocking +500 just to win the NFC East having been -115 a few short weeks ago.

The Cowboys now have two choices:

1. They start backup Cooper Rush for the next 6-8 weeks and effectively mail in their 2022 season. We are not trying to insult Rush here, but he is not keeping this team in playoff contention for an extended period. One Sunday Night Football win at Minnesota in 2021 does not suddenly make him Tom Brady.
2. They make a bold move to trade for a veteran QB, one who knows how to manage a game and can at least give Dallas a serviceable option at an affordable price. A very affordable price. So who is he?

Ladies and gentlemen of Cowboys Nation, may we introduce one Jimmy Garoppolo.

Jimmy Garoppolo to Dallas?

Just a couple of weeks ago Garoppolo restructured his contract with the San Francisco 49ers, confirming two things. Firstly he is a backup in the Bay Area – Trey Lance is the guy. And secondly his salary is very very attractive to any team now wanting to trade for him.

Garoppolo’s deal with the Niners is for one year at $7million with $6.5million – the Cowboys easily have enough money under the salary cap to make that sort of move. They are currently more than $11million under the cap.

Making a move for Jimmy G would make the Cowboys relevant – he’s a smart QB who makes smart decisions. We are not saying he is the guy to take Dallas to the promised land. But he might keep them in a nearby zip code for a few weeks.

Jimmy Garoppolo trade price

So what would it take for the Cowboys to get Garoppolo? More than a bag of beans, that is for sure. San Francisco remember believes it is Super Bowl-ready, and having Garoppolo as the backup to Lance gives it terrific insurance.

Reports suggested San Fran had the offer of a second-round pick to deal Garoppolo in the summer, but his rehab from shoulder surgery complicated matters.

Now the coast is clear for a team looking to move for him, and if we are Dallas we’re starting the conversation at a third-round pick. Too rich you say? How about you forget the season then.

Garoppolo is absolutely a short-term rental, but Dallas was willing to give up a first-rounder for Amari Cooper in 2018 to revive its season when the status quo was clearly not an option. Well, the same is true here. If Dallas stays with Rush for the next 6-8 weeks, things will be out of hand by the time he ends his stint under center.

So Jerry Jones, the time to act is now. Show you are the dealmaker of old – the oilman who will take a gamble in the hope of striking it rich. The clock is ticking…