Ex-Cowboys QB Surprisingly Turned Down Promotion With Saints: Report
Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Ben DiNucci declined an offer to join the New Orleans Saints and instead chose to stay with the Denver Broncos, where he currently serves on the practice squad. The Saints had sought to sign DiNucci to their active roster in September, offering him potentially more job security. However, the quarterback opted to remain in Denver, where he holds the third quarterback position behind Russell Wilson and Jarrett Stidham. DiNucci explained that another team had also attempted to claim him during the season, but he preferred to stay in Denver to focus on learning and developing within the Broncos’ system. Despite not explicitly naming the Saints, DiNucci emphasized his desire to continue his growth under the coaching of Sean Payton.
Broncos QB Ben DiNucci Spent 2 Seasons With the Cowboys
Ex-Dallas Cowboys QB Ben DiNucci out here playing swole ball! 😤💪🏿 Told the Battlehawks hold that L, that’s game! #DallasCowboys
(🎥: @ESPNNFL) pic.twitter.com/5oR1eFnFMc
— Kevin Gray Jr. (@KevinGraySports) April 16, 2023
Ultimately, DiNucci considered the situation in New Orleans as a temporary one, despite securing a place on the active roster. His last NFL appearance for the Cowboys was in 2020, where he made three appearances, including one start.
Having spent two seasons with the Cowboys, DiNucci was released on August 29, 2022, as the team finalized its 53-man roster. Subsequently, he joined the XFL and played for the Seattle Dragons, where he excelled with league-leading statistics: 2,671 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, completing 64.7% of his passes in 10 games. Additionally, as a former Cowboys quarterback, he led all quarterbacks in rushing yards with 305 and scored 3 rushing touchdowns.
In the current offseason, DiNucci signed with the Broncos and secured a position on the team’s practice squad.
Cowboys Rumors: Will Dallas Trade Cooper Rush or Trey Lance in 2024?
DiNucci had several good moments with the Cowboys, but the organization finally decided to make Cooper Rush the backup quarterback. Rush has filled in excellently whenever Dak Prescott has been sidelined with an injury, so it proved to be a wise move.
Dallas confronts more quarterback decisions in the coming months, with Rush, Prescott, and Trey Lance all under contract through 2024. Prescott’s $59.4 million cap hit for next season suggests a contract extension is on the way to reduce that figure. It will be interesting to see if Dallas attempts to move either Rush or Lance.