The Baltimore Ravens have decided to part ways with quarterback Cooper Rush, a move that ties back to his history with Pittsburgh Steelers' new head coach, Mike McCarthy.
Rush, now 32, was released on Thursday, as reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. His stint with the Ravens lasted just a single season, with the team opting to re-sign Tyler "Snoop" Huntley earlier in the week. Huntley was brought back after Rush struggled to fill in for Lamar Jackson during the previous season.
Jackson's injury in Week 4 opened the door for Rush, but his performance against the Houston Texans the following week was shaky. Rush completed 14 of 20 passes for 179 yards, but his three interceptions were costly. By Week 6, after a rough outing with 72 yards and another interception, he was replaced by Huntley.
The rest of the season saw Rush relegated to backup duties, eventually sliding to third-string once Jackson returned. Despite being set to earn $2.1 million this year, his release results in a $2.1 million dead cap hit, offering no financial relief for the Ravens.
Rush's career took off under McCarthy's guidance. Back in 2022, he stepped in for an injured Dak Prescott, leading the team to a 4-1 record with an 80 passer rating. In 2024, he started eight games, finishing with a 4-4 record and an 83.4 passer rating.
An undrafted talent from Central Michigan, Rush has started 16 games in his eight-year NFL journey, with all but two under McCarthy's leadership.
While a reunion in Pittsburgh might seem tempting, it's unlikely. The Steelers have Mason Rudolph as a backup and are focused on developing third-string quarterback Will Howard. However, if Aaron Rodgers doesn't return, Rush's familiarity with McCarthy's system could make him a valuable asset in Pittsburgh’s quarterback room come training camp.