The Dallas Cowboys are entering the 2024-25 NFL season with a monumental decision hanging over their heads—the choice to extend or not re-sign their star quarterback, Dak Prescott. This decision is not just a gamble on the field but also a financial and strategic risk that could shape the future of the franchise.
As the Cowboys navigate the upcoming season, questions arise about their chances in the playoffs, the impact on team dynamics, and how this move will influence their long-term goals. The Cowboys’ management, led by team owner Jerry Jones, appears to be looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, but the immediate consequences of not securing Prescott’s future could be immense.
The Financial Gamble
Prescott’s previous contract, a four-year deal worth $160 million, was a significant investment by the Cowboys. With $126 million guaranteed, Prescott was one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league. However, as the contract neared its end, the Cowboys hesitated to offer a new deal, raising questions about their long-term strategy.
The decision not to extend Prescott’s contract could have far-reaching financial implications, both in terms of the salary cap and the team’s ability to attract other top talent. Prescott said he does not need to sign a contract extension before Sunday’s season opener against the Browns.
“I think it says a lot if it is or if it isn’t,” Prescott said Thursday. “But ‘however’ doesn’t really matter to me, to be honest with you.”
On Wednesday, reporters asked owner and general manager Jerry what more he needs to see from Prescott in order to offer him an extension.
“You could easily say, ‘If you haven’t seen it by now, you haven’t seen it,’” Jones said. “I’m such a fan of Dak’s and appreciate all of the great things that we all know that is there. And I appreciate his work ethic more than anything out here. I can’t tell you how proud I am that we’ve got him this year to start this campaign. ...
“When you look at a situation, you’ve also got to weigh, ‘OK, what are the consequences of the other side of the coin?’ And so Dak’s situation right now for me, from my mirror, has more to do with our situation than it does with the merits of Dak Prescott being the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys.”
Prescott said he understands.
“That’s the business and the nature of this game that we play,” Prescott explained. “Yeah, I mean, I stopped, honestly, listening to things that he says to the media a long time ago. Doesn’t really hold weight with me.”
Potential Implications
The Cowboys’ salary cap situation will be directly impacted if they decide not to re-sign Prescott. If that’s the case The money that would have been allocated to his contract is now available, but the team must carefully consider how to utilize these funds.
Whether they choose to invest in other key positions or save the cap space for future signings, the financial strategy behind this decision can play a critical role in the Cowboys’ success moving forward.
Prescott’s market value remains high, and other teams in need of a quarterback might be willing to offer him a lucrative deal. The Cowboys’ decision not to match or exceed these offers could set a precedent for how they handle contracts with star players in the future. This move might also influence how other teams approach their negotiations, especially when dealing with players of Prescott’s caliber.
On-Field Performance Impact
Dak Prescott has been the cornerstone of the Cowboys’ offense since he took over as the starting quarterback. His ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and execute plays has been crucial to the team’s success.
Without Prescott, the Cowboys would need to rely on a different quarterback, which could lead to a significant drop in on-field performance. This change might also affect the dynamics between the quarterback and other key players, such as wide receivers and running backs.
The Cowboys’ potential decision to move on from Prescott raises the question of who will step up as the new leader of the offense. The team might look to draft a young quarterback or sign a free agent to fill the void. However, finding a replacement with the same level of talent and leadership as Prescott will be a challenge.
CeeDee Lamb’s New Contract and Its Implications
While the Cowboys chose not to re-sign Prescott for now, they did secure one of their key offensive weapons, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, to a substantial four-year, $136 million contract. This deal includes $72 million guaranteed, making Lamb one of the highest-paid receivers in the league.
Lamb’s performance over the past few seasons, including 135 catches for 1,749 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in 17 games last year, justified this investment. The Cowboys are clearly prioritizing their offensive talent, but the question remains whether this will be enough to compensate for a potential loss of Prescott at quarterback.
Lamb has been a crucial part of the Cowboys’ offense, and with Prescott under center, the two developed a strong connection. However, with a new quarterback potentially leading the team in the future, Lamb’s role and effectiveness could change.
The Dallas Cowboys’ 2024-25 Schedule
The Dallas Cowboys’ 2024-25 schedule is packed with pivotal matchups, but a few games that could be particularly crucial are their December showdowns against the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
As the season nears its end, these games might have significant implications for securing home-field advantage in the playoffs. Cowboys and Panthers fans alike will have their eyes on these games, especially with enticing North Carolina sportsbook promos being offered as the playoff races heat up toward the end of the season.
The Dallas Cowboys’ season win total is set at 9.5 games, which is down from 10.5 wins at market open. The Cowboys face a very difficult schedule, particularly early, but these contests against the Panthers and Buccaneers late in the season are winnable.
Dallas will have at least 10 wins this year. They won 12 games last season and while going from Tony Pollard to Ezekiel Elliott feels like a downgrade, the offense should be good enough to help them surpass their win total.
Every game on the Cowboys’ schedule has the potential to impact their playoff chances, but the matchups against strong contenders will be particularly important. The outcomes of these games could determine whether the Cowboys secure a top seed or if they have to fight for a Wild Card spot. The pressure will be on the team to perform well in these critical moments.
Securing home-field advantage in the playoffs is a key goal for the Cowboys, and their schedule provides opportunities to achieve this. The Cowboys’ ability to dominate at home could be a deciding factor in their playoff run, making these matchups even more critical.
The Broader Impact on the NFL
The Cowboys’ potential decision to part ways with Prescott could have ripple effects across the NFL. Other teams might reevaluate their own quarterback situations, leading to shifts in the market for top-tier quarterbacks. This move could also influence how teams approach contract negotiations, particularly when dealing with players who are approaching the end of their contracts.
A decision not to re-sign Prescott might prompt other NFL teams to reassess the value they place on their star players. Teams could become more cautious about offering large contracts, particularly if they believe they can find comparable talent at a lower cost. This trend could lead to significant changes in how teams build their rosters and manage their salary caps.
Impact on Cowboys’ Brand and Legacy
The Cowboys are one of the most storied franchises in NFL history, and their decisions are always under intense scrutiny. If they choose to move on from Prescott it could impact their brand and legacy, particularly if it leads to a period of decline. On the other hand, if the team succeeds, it could enhance their reputation as a bold and forward-thinking organization.
Prospects for Prescott
Prescott’s career trajectory remains promising. He has already proven himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the league, and if he ends up leaving, a fresh start with a new team could rejuvenate his career. Whether he continues to achieve success or faces challenges in Dallas or in a new environment, Prescott’s journey will be a key storyline in the NFL.
Regardless of where Dak Prescott ends up, his legacy in Dallas is already established. He led the team through several successful seasons and became a fan favorite. If the Cowboys make the decision not to re-sign him it will not erase his contributions to the franchise, but it will be interesting to see how history judges this chapter in both Prescott’s career and the Cowboys’ history.
