The Dallas Cowboys find themselves in murky waters, as they struggle to reach an agreement with star quarterback Dak Prescott on a contract extension. After finishing second in MVP voting and posting career-best numbers last season, Prescott deserves a secure deal. However, with the Cowboys unwilling to commit, this creates uncertainty around Prescott’s future in Dallas.
Dak Prescott’s Stellar Season
Dak Prescott’s exceptional performance last season was a testament to his skill. With a 69.5% completion rate for 4,516 yards, 36 touchdowns, and only nine interceptions, he led the Dallas Cowboys to an NFC East championship, dazzling fans and experts alike. These are MVP-caliber numbers, making Prescott one of the league’s most valuable quarterbacks.
#TBT to arguably the best RBs for #DallasCowboys, @EmmittSmith22 ‼️
Career: 4,409 carries, 18,355 yds, & 164 TDs.
Loved doing this photo remix with the dynamics of @TroyAikman watching after the hand off and the clear lane the OL provided‼️
(📸: @dallascowboys …edit by me) pic.twitter.com/xhQZ9FIkYz
— ✭ Lacy ✭ (@FBCowboysQueen) May 8, 2024
Dallas Cowboys Hesitant to Lock Dak Prescott in Long-Term
Despite Dak Prescott’s contributions, the Dallas Cowboys have yet to offer a new deal. With Prescott entering the final year of his contract, the team’s reluctance to extend him raises eyebrows. While the quarterback has shown his loyalty to the Cowboys, team owner Jerry Jones seems to be holding out, hoping Prescott will lower his demands. Every elite quarterback receives significant compensation, but Dallas isn’t ready to sign the check.
Questionable Backup Plan, Trey Lance
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys have Trey Lance as a potential backup plan. They acquired him with a fourth-round pick last season, and although he’s a talented player, he’s struggled to find his groove since being drafted third overall by the 49ers in 2021.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer notes, “He is, by all accounts (including my own), a fantastic kid and a good worker… but it’s asking too much to think that he’ll be the right backup plan if somehow Dak Prescott isn’t on the team in 2025.”
Why Trey Lance Won’t Cut It
The Dallas Cowboys don’t fully trust Lance yet, still placing Cooper Rush above him on the depth chart. Given that he hasn’t solidified himself as a reliable backup, it’s hard to imagine him filling Prescott’s shoes if the Cowboys’ star walks in free agency. Furthermore, it’s a stretch to expect the Cowboys to build their future around an unproven quarterback with limited high-level experience.
Why Dallas Cowboys Needs to Prioritize Dak Prescott
The free-agent quarterback pool offers few appealing alternatives. Even if the Dallas Cowboys don’t see Prescott as a top-tier quarterback, overpaying the sixth-best option is better than banking on the 26th. With star players like Micah Parsons and CeeDee Lamb due for big contracts, the Cowboys can’t afford to throw away their strong roster on an unproven QB.
Ultimately, the Cowboys must decide whether to stick with Prescott or risk their playoff chances on a less reliable option. Given Prescott’s value, they shouldn’t gamble too hard, even if it means dipping deeper into their pockets.
