Lack of progress on an agreement makes an extension between Prescott and the Cowboys seem less and less likely. The Cowboys could have some heirs in the NFL Draft of 2025. Dallas may decide to select a bridge quarterback and select a quarterback later in the draft.
It was assumed that the Dallas Cowboys would have given Dak Prescott a contract extension by now. Although Prescott remains optimistic that a deal can be reached, the likelihood that he will be the Cowboys quarterback through 2025 and beyond decreases the closer the regular season approaches without an extension.
There were two significant provisions in Prescott’s contract when he signed the extension in 2021: The Cowboys are unable to franchise tag him because of his no trade clause. Prescott now has all the leverage because of these clauses and a $40 million cap hit in 2025 (if he stays in Dallas).
He steps forward, holding the cards. Despite their lack of postseason success, the Cowboys should have had no trouble deciding to extend Prescott this offseason. Prescott, who had maybe his greatest season to date, came in second in the MVP voting.
Dak Prescott placed first in throwing yards, third in completion percentage, sixth in yards per attempt, and first in passing touchdowns in 2023.
The Cowboys have not advanced much in talking about a contract extension for Prescott, despite his outstanding season and the fact that he has all the leverage in contract negotiations. In 2025, Dallas will need to get ready to play with a new quarterback unless something really different happens.
Shedeur Sanders – Colorado Buffaloes
Deion Sanders’ history with the Dallas Cowboys makes Sanders an obvious draft candidate in 2025.
Replacing Prescott with Shedeur Sanders, the son of a former Cowboy, would be a very Jerry Jones decision. There have already been many discussions on this possible marriage, and if an extension with Prescott isn’t finalized, there are rumors circulating that there is mutual interest: Sanders very likely wouldn’t have been selected in the first round of the previous year’s draft, which is where this starts to become plausible.
His objective is to keep improving and become a first-round pick, but there’s a good chance the Cowboys will be able to select him in the draft whenever they have cap space available the next year.
Numerous outstanding qualities that organizations seek in quarterbacks, such as stature, arm strength, and pocket presence, are absent from Sanders. However, Sanders would emerge as the front-runner to succeed Prescott as the Cowboys quarterback in 2024 if he had another successful season.
By selecting one of the most well-liked players in college football and maybe even convincing Deion Sanders to join the Cowboys coaching staff the next season, Dallas may be able to select their franchise quarterback. All of this may sound absurd, but it’s the kind of maneuver that finds Prescott’s replacement while also helping the Cowboys strategically.
2. Jalen Milroe – Alabama Crimson Tide
Milroe is an athletic quarterback who was productive at Alabama.
Jalen Milroe seems like the most logical pick for the Cowboys in the 2025 NFL Draft, assuming they want to select their next franchise quarterback in the late teens to early 20s.
Carson Beck is currently regarded as the top quarterback available in the draft class, making him unattainable for the Cowboys. Though Milroe is feasible as a mid- to late-first-round draft pick, he could still have some potential as the team’s next starting quarterback.
It is hoped that Milroe builds on his 2023 campaign and advances as a passer. Although he possesses the athleticism one hopes for in an NFL quarterback these days, organizations will want to see him improve as a passer. Milroe is a serious threat as a runner, possessing good arm strength and good decision-making ability.
Milroe’s draft stock will rise if he advances in 2024, but that will simply make him a safer selection choice. While choosing this would not be as visually striking as going with Shedeur Sanders, it makes sense for the Cowboys as a replacement and might even be the greatest choice on this list.
3. Kirk Cousins – Atlanta Falcons
Now that the Falcons selected Michael Penix Jr., the clock is ticking on Cousins’ time in Atlanta.
Even though Kirk Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons, they might simply cut ties with him to start Michael Penix Jr. in the next season.
If the Falcons want to proceed with Cousins as their franchise quarterback going forward, they have the option to trade him in 2024, provided they aren’t serious Super Bowl contenders.
Given his advanced age of 24, Penix Jr. is unlikely to have the same career trajectory as Jordan Love, who he sat for the first three years of his career. Cousins may not be as effective as he was prior to the injury because he recently had an Achilles tendon tear.
Even if he might need a year off after the injury to play at the same level as in 2023, that might be the ideal situation if the Falcons decide to let him go and the Cowboys want to locate a bridge quarterback that is more reasonably priced. In the unlikely event that Cousins doesn’t play up to par, Dallas would have some insurance because his contract has limited guaranteed money attached to it through 2025. Along with keeping the Cowboys competitive in the absence of Prescott, this trade would help them find the franchise quarterback of the future.
4. Geno Smith – Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks may choose to get younger at the quarterback position in 2025.
Cousins and Geno Smith are in extremely comparable circumstances. Despite not having a quarterback selected in the first round behind Smith, the Seahawks could trade him in 2025 in exchange for draft picks, which would guarantee that they select their franchise quarterback in the following year’s draft. Smith is still among the NFL’s best pocket passers, even in spite of the outcomes of the previous campaign.
The Seahawks offense as a whole struggled due to injuries and a poor offensive line, but Smith should have a successful season of comeback in 2024. And the Cowboys will be calling if the Seahawks decide at the end of this season that they would choose to cut ties with Smith.
Smith and Prescott are two of the NFL’s top pure pocket passers, therefore there are many similarities in their plays. Smith still has some movement in his game, much like Prescott does for the Cowboys right now.
Jerry Jones would be really happy with this purchase because it would be a cheap quarterback contract that wouldn’t require a significant amount of draft money from the Cowboys. Dallas could pay a lot less and, at least temporarily, achieve comparable offensive outcomes.
5. Jimmy Garoppolo – Los Angeles Rams
The Cowboys can take a look at the bargain rack, and go after a “proven winner”.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise if the Cowboys believe that Prescott can be replaced by acquiring a backup quarterback like Jimmy Garoppolo. Dallas had a poor history with quarterbacks before Prescott and Tony Romo, having repeatedly failed to locate Troy Aikman’s replacement.
Garoppolo wouldn’t cost the Cowboys much in draft capital or cap space if they truly wanted to cut costs. If the Cowboys choose Bill Belichick to be their head coach and reunite him with Jimmy Garoppolo, his former backup quarterback, things may get extremely crazy. Having played in the Super Bowl, this may persuade Jones that the signing is worthwhile for the team.
It is reasonable to conclude that Dallas is not committed to winning if they take this action. It should come as no surprise that Garoppolo was benched by the Las Vegas Raiders and is currently the backup quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, considering he was the 49ers’ weak point for years.
Although it would be the least expensive option, it would also be the worst quarterbacking scheme the Cowboys have used since Romo assumed the starting position.
