The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most storied franchises in NFL history, have faced a challenging period in recent years when it comes to their quarterback situation. The Cowboys’ quarterback play has been a source of both frustration and hope for fans, but the constant need for stability at the position has been evident. With the team’s ambitions to secure a championship in the highly competitive NFC, the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position has become an issue that can no longer be overlooked. It is expected that the Cowboys will seek to replace their current quarterback, Dak Prescott, with someone more reliable in order to build a more consistent and successful future.
Dak Prescott’s Current Status
Dak Prescott has been the starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys since 2016, and while his tenure has seen plenty of highs, it has also been marked by some notable lows. Prescott’s time with the Cowboys has been a story of individual achievements, moments of brilliance, and, unfortunately, a lack of sustained playoff success.
From the beginning, Prescott showed promise as a rookie. He was thrust into the starting role when Tony Romo suffered an injury, and he impressed with his poise, leadership, and ability to manage games. Prescott led the Cowboys to a 13-3 record and earned a Pro Bowl selection in his first season, making it clear that he was the future of the franchise. The hope in Dallas was that Prescott could lead the team back to the Super Bowl and beyond, following in the footsteps of previous Cowboys legends such as Troy Aikman.
However, the road to a championship has not been smooth for Prescott. While he has had several standout seasons, including a 2019 campaign where he threw for over 4,900 yards and 30 touchdowns, the team has struggled in the postseason. The Cowboys’ playoff appearances under Prescott have been underwhelming, with the team failing to advance past the Divisional Round in most cases. The lack of postseason success has raised questions about Prescott’s ability to elevate his game when it matters most, and whether he is the quarterback capable of leading Dallas to the promised land.
In addition to postseason struggles, Prescott has also faced injury concerns. After suffering a devastating ankle injury in 2020 that caused him to miss the majority of the season, Prescott returned in 2021, but the physical toll of his previous injury seemed to linger. In 2022, Prescott struggled with inconsistency and turnovers, leading to questions about his ability to protect the football and play at an elite level. While Prescott’s leadership and toughness have never been in question, his performance on the field has raised concerns about his reliability, especially in crucial moments.
The Case for Replacing Prescott
Given the Cowboys’ aspirations to win a Super Bowl, the need for a reliable quarterback is paramount. While Prescott is undeniably talented and has had individual successes, it has become clear that the Cowboys need more consistency from the quarterback position. Replacing Prescott with a more reliable option could provide the team with the stability and elite-level play necessary to push them over the top.
- Postseason Struggles: One of the most glaring issues with Prescott has been his inability to consistently deliver in the postseason. While he has been able to lead the Cowboys to regular-season success, he has faltered in the high-pressure environment of the playoffs. In his five career postseason games, Prescott has posted a 2-3 record, with some of those losses being highly disappointing performances. In particular, his struggles with turnovers and missed opportunities in crucial moments have prevented the Cowboys from making deep playoff runs. Replacing Prescott with a more reliable quarterback, who can elevate his play when the stakes are highest, could be the key to unlocking the team’s championship potential.
- Turnover Issues: Another significant issue with Prescott’s play has been his tendency to turn the ball over at inopportune times. Throughout his career, Prescott has shown a propensity to throw interceptions and fumble the ball, which has led to costly mistakes. In 2022, Prescott led the league in interceptions despite missing several games due to injury, throwing 15 interceptions in just 12 games. For a team with championship aspirations, turnovers are a major concern. A more reliable quarterback who can protect the ball and make smarter decisions with it could greatly improve the Cowboys’ chances of success.
- Injury Concerns: Prescott’s injury history is another factor that the Cowboys must consider when evaluating his long-term future. While he has proven his toughness by returning from the severe ankle injury in 2020, it’s fair to question whether Prescott will be able to stay healthy over the course of a full season and into the playoffs. Injuries to key players, particularly at the quarterback position, can derail a team’s championship hopes, and the Cowboys cannot afford to take that risk if they want to contend for a Super Bowl.
- The Need for Consistency: One of the hallmarks of a successful quarterback is consistency. Over the years, Prescott has shown flashes of brilliance, but he has struggled with consistency, especially in high-pressure situations. A quarterback who can consistently execute at a high level and avoid costly mistakes is essential for a team with championship aspirations. The Cowboys need a quarterback who can be counted on to perform week in and week out, without the ups and downs that have characterized Prescott’s tenure as the team’s signal-caller.
- Coaching and System Fit: Another important aspect to consider is how Prescott fits into the Cowboys’ offensive system. Over the years, the Cowboys have made adjustments to their offensive scheme in an attempt to accommodate Prescott’s strengths and weaknesses. While Prescott has thrived in certain aspects of the offense, particularly in play-action passing, there have been times when the system has not fully maximized his potential. Bringing in a quarterback who is a better fit for the system and can execute it to its fullest could provide the Cowboys with the consistency and success they desire.
Potential Replacements for Prescott
If the Cowboys do decide to replace Dak Prescott with a more reliable quarterback, several options are available to them. While the ideal solution would be to land an established, elite quarterback, there are a few possible paths the Cowboys could take.
- Veteran Quarterbacks: One potential avenue the Cowboys could explore is bringing in a veteran quarterback who has proven his ability to win at the highest level. Players like Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford, or even Tom Brady (if he were to come out of retirement) could offer the experience and reliability the Cowboys need. These quarterbacks have demonstrated the ability to perform in high-pressure situations and could provide immediate stability to the team’s offense. However, such a move would come with its own set of challenges, including the potential cost and the need to adapt to a new system.
- Drafting a Quarterback: Another option for the Cowboys is to select a quarterback in the draft. The 2025 NFL Draft is expected to have a deep class of quarterbacks, and the Cowboys could look to secure their quarterback of the future by selecting a young prospect. A quarterback like Caleb Williams or Drake Maye could provide the team with the long-term stability they need while also allowing them to build a team around a new, young leader. Drafting a quarterback would allow the Cowboys to get a reliable player on a rookie contract, but it would also require patience as the player develops and adjusts to the NFL.
- Trade for a Quarterback: The Cowboys could also look to make a trade for a proven quarterback. With a number of quarterbacks in the league on the trading block or available via free agency, the Cowboys could potentially land a reliable signal-caller without needing to go through the draft. Players like Kirk Cousins, Ryan Tannehill, or even Justin Fields could provide the Cowboys with a more reliable option than Prescott. However, trades often come with risks, and the Cowboys would need to ensure that they are acquiring a player who can step in and immediately contribute at a high level.
Conclusion
The Dallas Cowboys have a championship-caliber roster, but they need a more reliable quarterback to push them over the edge and bring them back to the Super Bowl. While Dak Prescott has shown flashes of greatness, his inconsistency, turnovers, and inability to elevate his game in the postseason have led to the expectation that the Cowboys will look for a replacement. Whether through a trade, the draft, or bringing in a veteran, the Cowboys need to find a quarterback who can deliver consistency, protect the ball, and thrive in high-pressure moments. If they can make that move, the future could be bright for America’s Team.