You recall that play, the one that ought to be framed and displayed in the living room of every Cowboys supporter. Wild Card Round for 2022. Tampa Bay vs. Dallas. After taking the snap, Dak Prescott reads the field, rolls to his left, and uses a pump fake that completely stops the Bucs’ defence. Then he takes off—jukes one, hurdles another, and dives into the end zone—as if he were made of Lamar Jackson’s legs and Aaron Rodgers‘ DNA. Touchdown. Boom. That wasn’t just a highlight; it was a message. A declaration. And yet, somehow, people still think he should be looking over his shoulder.

The rumors around Dak’s future in Dallas are getting louder, but Chase Daniel, a former NFL quarterback, isn’t having any of the clamor surrounding it. Daniel admitted unequivocally on The Facility talk show that Dak Prescott is the man. Period.

“Dak Prescott shouldn’t be looking over his shoulder at all. Not one bit,” Daniel said. “I think Dak Prescott is a good quarterback. I think Dak Prescott is a top 12, top 11 quarterback in this league.” Just fifteen months ago, Dak was ranked as the second-best player in the MVP voting, in case anyone needs a reminder. All-Pro second team. Not in 2016. Not in a legendary era. Just. Fifteen. Months. Ago.

And what if the Cowboys are truly considering replacing Dak Prescott with Joe Milton? That would be like exchanging a fully equipped sports car for a bike concept sketch. Indeed, Milton possesses natural skill; if the circumstances were ideal, his arm could likely toss a football from Dallas to Houston. However, this is an insurance policy. Instead of a replacement, Dallas needs a backup. And Milton? He can learn from a seasoned pro like Dak.

Chase Daniel doubled down on that: “Joe Milton played well last year against the Bills, and I think that caught some eyes. But let’s not forget, Dak finished second in MVP voting just fifteen months ago.” Translation: This is Prescott’s team. Milton is here to learn, not to lead.

Let’s face it, though, some folks don’t doubt Dak’s ability. The question is not only whether Prescott ought to be the one, but also if the Cowboys can afford to let him go. In a lunchroom full of germaphobes, Prescott’s contract is about as untradeable as a half-eaten sandwich. With a $50 million cap hit in 2025 and a $74 million cap hit in 2026, if he is transferred, the Cowboys owe him $187.75 million. What is Jerry Jones expected to do, then? Can you make that vanish with a magic wand wave? Is a Wall Street bailout preferable to cutting him and eating more dead money? Not a chance. Jerry Jones knows that Dak Prescott isn’t going anywhere.

Dak Prescott’s future? NFL veterans have a clear message for Jerry Jones

Prescott is, of course, not universally regarded as the long-term solution by many. Speaking on Unsportsmanlike, Chris Canty hinted that Dallas would have to change course in 2026. “There’s an issue in terms of whether or not this team can get to where they want to go. And of course, Dak Prescott, if the Cowboys are going to compete for a title, has to be a big reason why,” Canty stated.

Canty wasn’t holding anything when he asked if Prescott’s injury history and postseason troubles would ever stop him from being “that guy.” And if that’s the case, he contended, Dallas may need to think about a quarterback switch in 2026—that is, if Prescott is prepared to forego his entire no-trade provision. “If you’re the Cowboys, if Dak can’t get you where you want to go this season, that’s something that you have to think long and hard about.”

The hitch is that all the cards are in Prescott’s hands. In addition to being costly, his contract has a complete no-trade clause, which means he is in charge of his own destiny. The Cowboys need his consent before they can cut him like a stale draft pick. Canty’s scenario is therefore more complicated than Dallas’ simply “moving on.” Prescott must consent even if the front office determines it’s time for a change. So, unless Dak himself is ready to walk away, the Cowboys are locked in.

And don’t assume that Prescott is only following along. In addition to being the quarterback, he plays a crucial role in the Cowboys’ decision-making process. Prescott’s influence is seen not just on the field but also in the front office for the roster and coaching changes.

Brian Schottenheimer is the new coach of the Dallas Cowboys. The man has expertise, to be sure, but let’s face it, Dak had a say in this decision. They’re close. They are THE BOYS. This was not an arbitrary move; rather, it was a move that kept Dak Prescott comfortable and in command. The Cowboys should “move on,” according to Twitter haters, but Jerry Jones isn’t going to follow that.

Dak Prescott is committed to the Dallas Cowboys. It’s evident from the money. It’s stated at the front desk. Furthermore, the facts speak for themselves, as Chase Daniel recently reminded us.