The Dallas Cowboys, often referred to as “America’s Team,” have a rich history in the NFL, with a long-standing reputation for success, drama, and high expectations. However, despite their storied past and impressive roster, one position has continued to dominate the headlines for the Cowboys in recent years: quarterback.
Since the departure of legendary quarterback Tony Romo, the Cowboys have turned to Dak Prescott to lead the team. Prescott, drafted in 2016, quickly established himself as the team’s face and was expected to carry the Cowboys to the promised land. While Prescott has had moments of brilliance, including leading the Cowboys to the playoffs multiple times, his tenure as the starting quarterback has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Injuries, inconsistent performances, and a lack of playoff success have raised questions about his future in Dallas, leading many to wonder if the Cowboys are looking for a new quarterback in 2025 and beyond.
This article explores the current state of the Dallas Cowboys quarterback situation, examining Dak Prescott’s tenure with the team, the potential reasons for moving on, and the possible future scenarios for the franchise’s most important position.
Dak Prescott’s Dallas Cowboys Career: The Good, the Bad, and the Uncertain
Dak Prescott has been the face of the Dallas Cowboys for several years, but his journey to NFL stardom wasn’t a typical one. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Prescott immediately rose to prominence after an injury to Tony Romo thrust him into the starting role. Prescott didn’t just fill the shoes of a star quarterback; he exceeded expectations and became one of the most promising young quarterbacks in the league. In his rookie year, Prescott led the Cowboys to a 13-3 record and won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, putting up remarkable numbers along the way.
However, despite early success, Prescott’s career has been marred by inconsistency, especially in the postseason. While his regular-season statistics have been strong, he has struggled to guide the Cowboys to sustained playoff success. The Cowboys have made the playoffs multiple times with Prescott as the quarterback, but they have failed to advance deep into the postseason, which has led to growing criticism and doubts about Prescott’s ability to lead the team to a Super Bowl.
Injuries have also played a significant role in Prescott’s career. In 2020, he suffered a devastating ankle injury that sidelined him for most of the season. While Prescott made a successful return in 2021, the injury left some lingering questions about his durability and long-term health. While Prescott has shown resilience and returned to form after his injury, the Cowboys’ inability to secure consistent playoff success has prompted many to question if he’s truly the right quarterback to take the franchise to the next level.
Why the Cowboys May Be Looking for a New Quarterback
There are several key reasons why the Dallas Cowboys could be searching for a new quarterback in the near future. Some of these reasons are tied to Dak Prescott’s own performance, while others stem from the team’s broader organizational needs.
1. Inconsistent Playoff Performance
One of the primary reasons the Cowboys may be looking for a new quarterback is Prescott’s inability to consistently perform in the postseason. Despite having a talented roster, including an elite offensive line, a dynamic wide receiving corps, and one of the league’s top running backs, the Cowboys have continually fallen short in the playoffs during Prescott’s tenure as the starting quarterback.
Prescott has shown flashes of brilliance in the regular season but has often struggled when the pressure mounts in the playoffs. In his five postseason appearances, Prescott has only won two games. While it’s not entirely fair to place all of the blame on the quarterback, the lack of success in the postseason has raised questions about Prescott’s ability to lead the team to the Super Bowl.
The Cowboys are a franchise built on winning championships, and their fanbase expects nothing less. With the talent surrounding Prescott, the lack of playoff success has put immense pressure on him, leading to calls for a change at quarterback.
2. Inconsistent Regular-Season Performance
While Prescott has had some standout seasons, his performance in the regular season has been far from consistent. Throughout his career, Prescott has gone through stretches where he plays at an elite level, followed by stretches where his play drops significantly. This inconsistency has caused frustration among Cowboys fans and coaches alike.
In particular, Prescott’s turnover issues have become a point of concern. In 2022, he led the league in interceptions despite missing several games due to injury. While interceptions can happen to any quarterback, Prescott’s tendency to throw critical turnovers at inopportune times has become a recurring issue. His turnovers have been particularly damaging in close games, often resulting in lost opportunities and victories slipping through the Cowboys’ fingers.
3. Contract Issues and Salary Cap Implications
Dak Prescott signed a lucrative four-year, $160 million contract extension in 2021, making him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league. While Prescott’s contract was well-deserved after his impressive rise to stardom, it has placed a significant burden on the Cowboys’ salary cap. With a high salary cap hit, the Cowboys have limited flexibility to build their roster in other areas.
In the coming seasons, the Cowboys may find themselves at a crossroads. Prescott’s contract makes him difficult to trade or release, but the team may eventually have to make the tough decision of whether to continue paying a quarterback who hasn’t delivered the desired results in the postseason. If the Cowboys believe that Prescott is not the quarterback who can lead them to a Super Bowl, they may be forced to look for an alternative, even if it means moving on from their high-priced investment.
4. Rising Competition in the NFC
The NFC has become a highly competitive conference in recent years, with several teams boasting elite quarterbacks and championship-caliber rosters. The Dallas Cowboys are constantly competing with teams like the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, and the Green Bay Packers for supremacy in the NFC. In order to remain a contender, the Cowboys will need a quarterback who can consistently perform at the highest level, especially in big games.
While Dak Prescott is undoubtedly talented, the Cowboys may believe that in order to compete with the rising competition in the NFC, they need a quarterback who can elevate their team to a new level. This could mean pursuing a trade for a proven star quarterback or drafting a quarterback in the early rounds of the NFL Draft.
Possible Solutions: What’s Next for the Cowboys at Quarterback?
If the Dallas Cowboys do decide to move on from Dak Prescott, they have several potential options for replacing him as the starting quarterback.
1. Drafting a Quarterback
One of the most appealing solutions for the Cowboys is to draft a quarterback in the early rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. The 2025 draft class is expected to have a number of talented quarterbacks, and the Cowboys could use their first-round pick to secure their quarterback of the future. While this option comes with some risk, drafting a young quarterback offers the potential for long-term success.
The Cowboys may be able to select a quarterback who is ready to contribute immediately or could spend a year learning behind Prescott before taking over. Some of the top quarterbacks to watch for in 2025 include names like Caleb Williams (USC), Drake Maye (North Carolina), and Quinn Ewers (Texas). Any of these prospects could be seen as potential franchise quarterbacks for the Cowboys, capable of taking the team to the next level.
2. Trading for a Proven Star
Another option for the Cowboys is to pursue a trade for a proven star quarterback. While this avenue is more difficult due to the high costs and limited availability of elite quarterbacks, there are a few potential trade candidates who could be a good fit for the Cowboys.
Players like Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings), Trey Lance (San Francisco 49ers), or even Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers) could be potential trade targets for the Cowboys, depending on the circumstances. While each of these players comes with their own set of risks, acquiring a seasoned quarterback could be a way for the Cowboys to maintain their competitiveness in the NFC while looking for long-term stability at the position.
3. Stick with Dak Prescott (For Now)
Despite the criticisms and frustrations surrounding Prescott, it’s possible that the Cowboys may decide to stick with him for the time being. Prescott is still a very talented quarterback, and if the team can improve the surrounding roster—particularly the offensive line and running game—he may still be able to lead the Cowboys to a Super Bowl. The Cowboys have a strong defense and an offense that can be explosive, so with the right pieces around him, Prescott could still fulfill his potential.
However, the Cowboys’ coaching staff and front office will need to make significant improvements to the team and work closely with Prescott to address his inconsistencies. This includes improving his decision-making, reducing turnovers, and helping him perform at his best in the postseason.
The Dallas Cowboys’ Quarterback Dilemma
The Dallas Cowboys are facing a significant decision regarding their quarterback situation in the coming years. Dak Prescott has been the face of the franchise for several seasons, but his inconsistent play and inability to lead the team to sustained postseason success have left many questioning whether he is the right man for the job. While Prescott still has the talent and potential to be successful, the Cowboys may be looking for a new quarterback to take the team to the next level.
Whether it’s through drafting a quarterback, pursuing a trade for a proven star, or sticking with Prescott for the time being, the Cowboys’ front office will need to make a strategic decision that ensures the team’s future success. The quarterback position is the most important on the field, and the Cowboys must get it right if they want to return to their Super Bowl-winning ways. Only time will tell what the future holds for Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys, but one thing is certain: the quarterback position will remain a focal point of discussion in Dallas for years to come.