Dak Prescott Opens the ‘Kirk Cousins’ Playbook as Jerry Jones’ Cowboys Dubbed a Sleeper Team for QBs Ahead of NFL Draft

Dak Prescott still has his future ahead, even if it’s not with the Dallas Cowboys. The franchise and their quarterback haven’t reached a deal for a long-term contract extension yet. This means he will be playing the 2024 season in the last year of his current contract with the team.

Prescott signed a contract in 2021 for four years, worth $160 million. This deal included clauses that prevent the team from trading or tagging him. However, since there hasn’t been any new contract agreed upon, Prescott may become a free agent in 2025, and NFL reporter sees this as him following Kirk Cousins’ plan.

Is Dak Prescott looking for better opportunities than the Dallas Cowboys?

In a recent episode of NFL on ESPN, hosts Hannah Storm, Adam Schefter, Marcus Spears and Tim Hasselbeck, discussed Dak Prescott’s contract situation with the Cowboys. Connecting it with the previous situation of Kirk Cousins, ESPN’s Adam Schefter, expressed, “Dak is basically taking a page out of the Kirk Cousins free agent Playbook and he a chance if he wants to get to that free agent Market to test his value.”

Cousins, too, had a contract extension demand, as he was in the final year. However, the Vikings released him as a free agent, and the QB waited for the correct opportunity before being signed by the Falcons. Schefter also speculated this similar thing from Prescott. He speculated that if the Cowboys lose Prescott, they might have to look for a new quarterback. He added, “And that’s why I think the Cowboys might be a sleeper team in the quarterback market during the draft. Because at some point in time, they might have to draft a quarterback. Higher than you think, because Dak is going into the last year of the contract, and it might be time to get someone in there to start grooming him.” But till then the situation is complex with both Prescott and the Cowboys.

A risk for Prescott and the Cowboys

The Cowboys have until March 12, 2025, to extend Dak Prescott’s contract. If he doesn’t, he’ll cost them over $40 million against the cap and become a free agent. Even if they extend him, he’ll still cost them over $25 million due to previous deals. As of now, it seems it’s unlikely the Cowboys want to start over with a rookie, or less desirable free agent.

If they play hardball with Prescott, they risk losing him and facing a hefty cap hit. For Prescott, there’s a risk too. If fewer teams need quarterbacks next year, his market could shrink. He might have to choose between a big contract and joining a contender.

So, what will he choose?

Read more: With Dallas Cowboys in ‘Handcuffs’ Due to Dak Prescott, How Has CeeDee Lamb Forced Jerry Jones to Keep His Hands in the Pockets? NFL Exec Reveals