The NFL offseason is often filled with rumors, but when it involves high-profile players like Dak Prescott, the league’s attention is immediately piqued. The Cleveland Browns, a team that has been rebuilding for years, and the Dallas Cowboys, a perennial contender with a passionate fanbase, are reportedly in talks regarding a trade that could send Prescott to Cleveland. This move, if it materializes, could have wide-reaching implications for both teams and the NFL at large.
Context: The State of the Cleveland Browns and Dallas Cowboys
Cleveland Browns: A Rebuilding Powerhouse?
The Cleveland Browns have endured their fair share of struggles over the past decades. After years of instability at the quarterback position, the Browns finally seemed to turn a corner with Baker Mayfield. However, Mayfield’s inconsistent play and the team’s inability to find sustained success have left Cleveland in search of a true leader under center.
In 2023, the Browns made waves by trading for Deshaun Watson, a quarterback with Pro Bowl credentials but significant off-field controversies. Watson’s first season in Cleveland was underwhelming, and his performance didn’t live up to the expectations of a top-tier quarterback. Now, with questions surrounding Watson’s ability to lead the team long-term, the Browns could be considering a change—Dak Prescott might be the answer they’ve been looking for.
The Browns’ roster is stacked with talent, including elite running back Nick Chubb, a solid offensive line, and a defense that features playmakers like Myles Garrett. What they need is a reliable quarterback who can consistently win games, elevate the play of his teammates, and keep the offense humming. Prescott, with his leadership qualities, strong arm, and ability to perform in big moments, could be the missing piece to make Cleveland a legitimate playoff contender.
Dallas Cowboys: A Team on the Verge?
The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most storied franchises in NFL history, have found themselves in a peculiar position in recent years. Despite having one of the league’s most talented rosters, the Cowboys have failed to advance past the Divisional Round of the playoffs since 1995. Dak Prescott, the face of the franchise, has been under intense scrutiny for his inability to lead the team to deep playoff runs.
Prescott’s regular-season stats are impressive. He’s thrown for over 4,000 yards in multiple seasons, with a solid touchdown-to-interception ratio. However, his postseason performances have often left much to be desired. Many critics argue that Prescott, while a competent starting quarterback, may not have the “it factor” needed to push the Cowboys over the top. With the Cowboys boasting a top-tier defense led by Micah Parsons and an explosive offense with weapons like CeeDee Lamb and Tony Pollard, some believe that a change at quarterback could unlock their championship potential.
If the Cowboys are truly considering moving on from Prescott, it could be a sign that the front office is ready to take a bold step in an effort to retool the team for a Super Bowl run.
The Case for a Dak Prescott Trade to Cleveland
A Change of Scenery for Prescott
Dak Prescott has spent his entire career with the Cowboys, and while he’s enjoyed individual success, the pressure to deliver a Super Bowl title to Dallas has been overwhelming. If he were traded to Cleveland, Prescott would get a fresh start in a new environment, free from the immense weight of the Cowboys’ expectations. He could focus on playing the game without the burden of being the franchise savior in Dallas.
In Cleveland, Prescott would inherit an offense that is designed to thrive with a dynamic quarterback. The Browns’ offensive line is one of the league’s best, giving quarterbacks time to operate in the pocket. With Chubb in the backfield, Prescott could enjoy a balanced offensive attack that allows him to control the tempo of the game. Additionally, the Browns have talented receiving options like Amari Cooper, Donovan Peoples-Jones, and David Njoku, which would give Prescott ample weapons to distribute the ball to.
Most importantly, Cleveland’s defense, led by Garrett, is capable of keeping the team in games and giving Prescott opportunities to capitalize on short-field situations. With a defense that can generate turnovers and limit opposing offenses, Prescott would have the chance to play a more conservative style of football—similar to what the Cowboys did in the early years of his career.
Cleveland’s Quarterback Situation
Deshaun Watson’s first year in Cleveland was not a success. While he showed flashes of the player he was in Houston, there were far too many inconsistent performances that left fans and analysts questioning his ability to return to elite form. Despite the Browns’ significant investment in Watson, the team could feel that moving on from him would be the best decision in the long run, especially if they feel Prescott is the right leader for the job.
In a quarterback-driven league, the Browns cannot afford to waste their championship window. The defense and running game are in place to contend now, and adding a veteran leader like Prescott could help them make a serious playoff push. With Watson’s contract weighing heavily on the franchise, trading for Prescott could represent a more affordable and reliable option moving forward.
Potential Compensation: What Would Cleveland Give Up?
If the Browns are serious about acquiring Prescott, the compensation would likely include a mix of draft picks and potentially a player or two. Given Prescott’s status as a top-tier quarterback, the Cowboys would undoubtedly expect a significant return. The Browns could offer multiple high-round draft picks, perhaps including a first-round pick, along with a player or two to balance the trade.
The Cowboys might also request a player like cornerback Denzel Ward, given their need for defensive playmakers. However, it’s also possible that the Browns could leverage their depth in other areas, such as the offensive line, to avoid parting with a top-tier player.
It’s important to note that Prescott’s contract plays a role in the trade discussions. He has a sizable cap hit, but it is manageable for a team like Cleveland that has already invested in Watson. The Browns would need to balance taking on Prescott’s contract while ensuring they don’t sacrifice too much future draft capital or player depth.
The Fallout for the Dallas Cowboys
If the Cowboys were to trade Prescott, the immediate question becomes: who would replace him? Dallas has been linked to several potential quarterback options, with names like Trey Lance and even potential trades for other veteran quarterbacks coming up in speculation. The Cowboys could also use the draft to find a quarterback of the future.
The team has consistently been built around Prescott, so replacing him with a player who can immediately step into the starting role would be a tall order. The Cowboys would also need to ensure that their new quarterback can handle the immense pressure that comes with playing for such a high-profile franchise. With their window to win a championship still wide open, they must be sure they’re making a smart decision, both short-term and long-term.