- Dallas Cowboys. Micah Parsons makes good on his threat: He is a no-show at the Dallas Cowboys' first mini camp
- Dallas Cowboys. Dak Prescott's future in jeopardy: Jared Goff's record-breaking contract sets new bar
The Dallas Cowboys could soon face a significant shift in their quarterback position, with franchise quarterback Dak Prescott's future increasingly uncertain.
As Prescott enters the final year of his four-year deal, signed in March 2021, the Cowboys have yet to secure an extension, leading to speculation about potential replacements.
Donovan Smith could be targeted by the Cowboys
Prescott, who will be entering his ninth year in the league, had an impressive 2023 season, finishing second in the NFL MVP race and leading the league with 36 touchdown es.
However, his continued struggles in the postseason, most recently a blowout loss to the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card round, have left many Cowboys fans questioning his long-term role with the team.
Despite the impressive regular-season performance, the lack of playoff success has prompted the Cowboys' front office to consider their options.
If Prescott does not reach a new deal with Dallas by the end of the 2024 season, he will likely enter free agency, where he is expected to become one of the highest-paid players in NFL history.
In anticipation of this potential scenario, the Cowboys have begun exploring contingency plans.
One intriguing possibility comes from the recent 2024 NFL Draft, where Donovan Smith from the University of Houston emerged as a notable candidate.
Smith, who started his college career at Texas Tech before transferring to Houston, stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 240 pounds, boasting a strong arm and impressive mobility.
His performance last season, throwing for 2,801 yards and 22 touchdowns, has already caught the attention of NFL analysts.
Chris Trao of CBS Sports has highlighted Smith in his early 2025 mock draft, predicting the Cowboys might select him as Prescott's successor.
The speculation aligns with the broader context of the NFL's quarterback market, where recent deals, such as Jared Goff's four-year, $212 million extension with the Detroit Lions, have set new financial benchmarks.
Why have the Cowboys not extended Prescott?
The Cowboys' hesitation to extend Prescott's contract reflects a cautious approach, likely influenced by the significant financial commitments required to retain elite quarterbacks.
Team owner Jerry Jones had promised an "all-in" push this offseason, yet key contract negotiations, including those for wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and edge rusher Micah Parsons, remain unresolved.
This delay has contributed to a growing sense of uncertainty within the franchise.
Should the Cowboys decide not to extend Prescott, several teams are anticipated to pursue him aggressively in free agency.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, Las Vegas Raiders, and New York Giants are all potential suitors, each with the cap space and roster flexibility to accommodate a high-profile quarterback g.
For now, all eyes are on the Cowboys' training camp in Oxnard, California.
If no progress is made on Prescott's extension by the end of camp, it appears increasingly likely he will play out the final year of his contract and explore free agency in 2025.
This impending decision will shape the future of the Cowboys and could usher in a new era with a fresh face under center.