Report: Bengals Came Close To Adding Cowboys Quarterback In Free Agency

Brandon Allen has been the Bengals' backup quarterback for the past three seasons, but Cincinnati reportedly got close to adding competition for him in recent weeks.

"From the sound of things," Nick Eatman wrote for the Dallas team site. "The Cowboys got pretty lucky that he (Rush) returned. He was getting close to taking another offer with either the Raiders or Bengals. But I don't think he ever really wanted to leave. And sometimes, just comfort alone is hard to beat. Cooper Rush is a solid backup that is a proven winner."

Dallas re-signed him to a two-year, $5 million deal.

Rush was a palatable option in relief of an injured Dak Prescott last season. He helped Dallas beat the Bengals in Week 2 during a stretch of five starts.

The Cowboys went 4-1 guided by Rush, with its only loss coming against the NFC Champion Eagles. Rush threw for 956 yards on 58% completion during the stretch, with 5 touchdown passes and 3 interceptions.