Are the Cowboys Trading Dak Prescott? The Straight Dope & Deep Dive

The short answer: No, the Dallas Cowboys are highly unlikely to trade Dak Prescott. While the NFL world is always rife with speculation, particularly around America’s Team, all signs point towards Prescott remaining the Cowboys’ quarterback for the foreseeable future. His contract, performance history, and the team’s overall investment in him make a trade a highly improbable scenario at this point.

Why the Trade Buzz? Understanding the Context

Okay, so why are we even having this conversation? The whispers of a potential trade, though faint, often emerge after playoff disappointments and contract extension talks. This past season, the Cowboys once again fell short of Super Bowl aspirations, fueling some fleeting speculation. Combined with Prescott’s significant contract, the “what if” scenarios inevitably surface. However, let’s delve into the concrete reasons why a trade is improbable, bordering on impossible.

The Contract Conundrum: A Financial Fortress

Prescott’s contract is the biggest hurdle to any potential trade. He signed a four-year, $160 million deal in 2021, which included a no-trade clause. This crucial detail means Prescott has the ultimate say in where he plays. He’d have to approve any trade destination, immediately limiting the Cowboys’ options and leverage.

Furthermore, trading Prescott would come with a massive dead money cap hit. The financial implications are staggering. The Cowboys would incur a significant cap penalty, hindering their ability to build a competitive roster. The sheer financial burden makes trading him a non-starter in most scenarios.

Performance Evaluation: More Good Than Bad

While Prescott has his critics, his overall performance warrants a level of respect. He’s a two-time Pro Bowler and has consistently led a potent Cowboys offense. While playoff success has been elusive, he has the tools to compete at the highest level. Over the past years, he has ranked in the top ten in the league in various passing categories. This makes it likely that if the Cowboys did want to trade him, he would be a highly sought-after asset.

The Cowboys’ investment goes beyond just the contract. They’ve built their offense around Prescott’s strengths, invested in offensive line protection, and brought in talented receivers. Tearing down that infrastructure to start anew with a different quarterback carries significant risk and disruption.

The Team’s Outlook: A Quarterback Carousel Isn’t the Answer

The NFL quarterback landscape is notoriously volatile. Finding a franchise quarterback is incredibly difficult, and the Cowboys know this. Replacing Prescott would mean entering a period of uncertainty and potentially prolonged struggles. Given the pressure to win now, particularly under owner Jerry Jones, starting over at quarterback is a less than attractive option.

The Cowboys are far more likely to continue building around Prescott, addressing weaknesses on defense and improving the running game, rather than initiating a full-scale rebuild by trading their quarterback. The continuity and familiarity with Prescott provide a stable foundation that they can build upon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dak Prescott and the Cowboys

Let’s address some of the common questions that often surface regarding Dak Prescott’s future with the Dallas Cowboys.

FAQ 1: Does Dak Prescott have a no-trade clause?

Yes, Dak Prescott does have a no-trade clause in his current contract. This gives him significant control over his destination should the Cowboys consider trading him.

FAQ 2: What would the Cowboys’ dead money cap hit be if they traded Prescott?

Trading Prescott would result in a very significant dead money cap hit, impacting the Cowboys’ ability to sign other players and manage their salary cap effectively. The amount depends on when the trade occurs. It’s such a high number, trading him does not make any sense.

FAQ 3: Are there any quarterbacks available in the upcoming draft who could replace Prescott?

While there are always promising quarterbacks entering the draft, there are no guarantees of success. Banking on a rookie to immediately perform at Prescott’s level is a risky proposition.

FAQ 4: What are the Cowboys’ biggest needs outside of quarterback?

The Cowboys have several areas they could improve, including the offensive line, linebacker depth, and secondary improvements. Addressing these needs is a higher priority than replacing a proven quarterback.

FAQ 5: Has Jerry Jones ever expressed a desire to move on from Dak Prescott?

Publicly, Jerry Jones has consistently supported Dak Prescott. While he can be unpredictable, there’s no indication he’s lost faith in Prescott’s ability to lead the team.

FAQ 6: What are Dak Prescott’s career stats and accomplishments?

Prescott has been very successful. He has two Pro Bowl selections and has consistently put up solid stats. While he hasn’t reached the Super Bowl, his overall performance has been impressive.

FAQ 7: How does Prescott’s contract compare to other top quarterbacks in the NFL?

Prescott’s contract is in line with other top quarterbacks in the league. Elite QBs are expensive, and the Cowboys have committed to paying Prescott market value.

FAQ 8: What is Dak Prescott’s leadership style and how does it affect the team?

Prescott is generally considered a good leader, known for his work ethic and positive attitude. His leadership is valued within the organization.

FAQ 9: What kind of trade package could the Cowboys realistically get for Dak Prescott?

Given Prescott’s contract and no-trade clause, any trade package would likely be diminished. The Cowboys would not get equal value compared to trading a quarterback without such restrictions.

FAQ 10: Could the Cowboys restructure Prescott’s contract instead of trading him?

Restructuring Prescott’s contract is a more likely scenario. This would free up cap space in the short term but could create long-term financial implications.

FAQ 11: How do the Cowboys’ coaches feel about Dak Prescott as their quarterback?

The coaching staff has consistently expressed confidence in Prescott. They believe he gives them the best chance to win, making a trade even more unlikely.

FAQ 12: What are the biggest criticisms of Dak Prescott’s performance?

The main criticisms revolve around his inconsistency in big games and turnovers at crucial moments. Addressing these issues is key to the Cowboys’ success, but not necessarily a reason to trade him.

The Verdict: Don’t Hold Your Breath

While the NFL is full of surprises, the likelihood of the Cowboys trading Dak Prescott is extremely low. His contract, no-trade clause, and the team’s investment in him make it a highly improbable scenario. Expect the Cowboys to continue building around Prescott and focus on improving other areas of the team to finally break through and contend for a Super Bowl. So, for now, put those trade rumors to rest and buckle up for another season of Dak leading America’s Team.