Former $242 Million Star QB Floated as Cowboys’ Potential Dak Replacement
Things are getting a bit spicy with the Dallas Cowboys as the team appears to be headed for another contract standoff with Dak Prescott. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that a new contract extension is not close which “appears to [clear] the path for Dak Prescott to test free agency in 2025.”
As a reminder, Prescott has no-franchise tag and no-trade clauses in his current deal which would allow him to be a free agent in 2025. Prior to this most recent news, USA Today’s K.D. Drummond pondered the Cowboys’ limited quarterback options if the team is unable to re-sign Prescott.
We recently discussed Kyler Murray as a potential trade candidate. The quarterback has limited appeal thanks to his contract while also not representing a clear upgrade from Prescott. One cheaper option for the Cowboys to consider in 2025 is new Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson.
“Trey Lance, already in Dallas, is in a group of haven’t-yet-established guys along with Justin Fields who is now in Pittsburgh,” Drummond wrote in a March 19, 2024 story titled, “It may be time for Cowboys to focus on 2025, so here’s the plan.” “What if Russell Wilson bounces back with the Steelers? He’s a free agent after next year as well.
“Arizona’s Kyler Murray becomes tradeable in 2025 with a dead cap hit to the Cardinals of $33 million and $12 million of savings if traded, and he has no guarantee money remaining after that season for the acquiring club.”
Cowboys Rumors: Dallas Would Have a $45 Million Dead Cap Hit in 2025 If Dak Prescott Leaves
Part of the reason the Cowboys would have few alternative options is not only the limited availability of signal-callers, but the dead money the team would be eating if Prescott walks. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Cowboys would have a total dead cap hit of $95 million for Prescott as a result of void years. According to LoneStarLive.com’s Joseph Hoyt, the Cowboys would be on the hook for a $45 million dead cap hit in 2025.
“Prescott, Cooper Rush and Trey Lance are all set to be free agents after this coming season,” Hoyt detailed in a March 26 message on X. “And because of the voidable years on Prescott’s contract, the Cowboys are already looking at a $40 million cap hit for him next year if he leaves. Would be an expensive/empty QB room.”
