Dak Prescott has been the starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys since 2016, a tenure marked by both significant highs and frustrating playoff exits. As he enters the 2025 season, the topic of his long-term future with the team, and the hypothetical scenario of a “Dak Prescott trade,” continues to be a recurring discussion among fans and analysts alike. While no trade has materialized, and recent contract restructures suggest the Cowboys’ immediate plans involve Prescott, exploring the complexities surrounding a potential trade is crucial to understanding the team’s current situation and future possibilities.
The Current Landscape: Prescott’s Contract and the Cowboys’ Cap Situation
Dak Prescott signed a four-year, $240 million contract extension with the Dallas Cowboys in September 2024, a deal that included a substantial $80 million signing bonus and $231 million in guaranteed money. This lucrative contract underscores the Cowboys’ belief in Prescott as their franchise quarterback.
However, the financial implications of such a significant contract are undeniable. Prescott’s 2025 cap hit stands at a substantial $50.5 million, a figure that accounts for a significant portion of the Cowboys’ salary cap. Looking ahead, his 2026 cap hit is projected to balloon to over $76.5 million.
In a move to create immediate salary cap relief, the Cowboys reportedly restructured Prescott’s contract in March 2025, converting a significant portion of his base salary into a signing bonus. This maneuver freed up approximately $36.6 million in cap space for the 2025 season. Despite this, his long-term cap figures remain considerable.
As of early May 2025, the Dallas Cowboys have roughly $38.5 million in available cap space for the 2025 season. While the recent restructure provided flexibility, the looming large cap hits for Prescott in the coming years will continue to influence the team’s financial decisions and roster construction.
The “Trade” Talk: Examining the Rumors and Realities
Despite the significant investment in Dak Prescott and the recent contract restructure, the specter of a potential trade occasionally surfaces in NFL discussions. These rumors are often fueled by the Cowboys’ inability to achieve deep playoff success during Prescott’s tenure and the immense financial commitment his contract represents.
One notable instance in late March and April 2025 involved speculation of a potential trade sending Prescott to the Cleveland Browns. This rumor, initially sparked by a Cleveland sports commentator, suggested that the Browns were actively engaged in talks with the Cowboys. However, this speculation was quickly and vehemently denied by credible NFL insiders, citing the near impossibility of such a trade due to Prescott’s contract terms and his no-trade clause.
Prescott’s no-trade clause grants him complete control over his destination, meaning he would have to explicitly approve any potential trade. Furthermore, the sheer financial burden of his contract, with its massive cap hits and guaranteed money, makes finding a trade partner exceedingly difficult. Any team acquiring Prescott would need significant cap space and a willingness to absorb his substantial salary.
The Cowboys themselves also have limited incentive to trade Prescott, particularly after restructuring his deal. Trading him before June 1st, 2025, would trigger an astronomical dead cap hit of over $180 million, crippling their salary cap for the current season. Even a post-June 1st trade would result in a significant dead cap charge of over $48 million in 2025 and nearly $90 million in 2026. Such a move would leave the Cowboys with a gaping hole at the quarterback position and severely hampered financial flexibility.
FAQs
What would be Dak Prescott’s potential trade value if the Cowboys were hypothetically willing to trade him?
Hypothetically, if the Cowboys were to consider trading Prescott (and if he were willing to waive his no-trade clause), his value would likely be significant, though complicated by his large contract. Potential compensation could involve multiple high-round draft picks, including a first-round selection, and possibly a talented player in return. However, the acquiring team would need substantial salary cap space to absorb his contract. Recent (debunked) rumors suggested a package involving a high draft pick and a player. His actual trade value is also influenced by his performance, injury history (he recovered from a 2024 hamstring injury), and leadership qualities.
Which teams have been mentioned in connection with Dak Prescott trade rumors?
The Cleveland Browns were the most recent team linked to Prescott in trade rumors, although these were quickly dismissed by credible sources. Other teams, like the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tennessee Titans, were mentioned in more speculative scenarios earlier in the offseason as potential landing spots if the Cowboys were to consider a trade, primarily due to perceived quarterback needs. However, these scenarios were largely theoretical and did not gain significant traction.
What is Dak Prescott’s current contract situation with the Dallas Cowboys?
Dak Prescott is currently under a four-year, $240 million contract extension signed with the Dallas Cowboys. The deal includes a no-trade clause and a significant amount of guaranteed money. His contract runs through the 2028 season, with void years included for salary cap management. His cap hit for the 2025 season is currently projected to be around $50.5 million after the recent restructure. He has a base salary of $2 million and a restructure bonus of $45.75 million in 2025.
What are the Cowboys’ long-term plans at quarterback if they don’t trade Dak Prescott?
Given Prescott’s current contract and the recent restructure, the Cowboys’ immediate plans clearly involve him as their starting quarterback. Their long-term strategy beyond his current contract remains uncertain. The team could look to extend Prescott again before his contract expires, or they might begin to evaluate other quarterback options through the draft or free agency in the coming years. The performance of the team under Prescott in the 2025 and subsequent seasons will likely play a significant role in shaping their long-term quarterback decisions.
In summary
While the hypothetical scenario of a Dak Prescott trade continues to linger in the periphery of NFL discussions, the realities of his contract, particularly his no-trade clause and the significant salary cap implications for the Dallas Cowboys, make such a move highly improbable in the near future. The team has made a substantial financial commitment to Prescott and recent actions indicate their intent to build around him. For now, Cowboys fans should focus on the upcoming 2025 season with Prescott at the helm, hoping that he can lead the team to the playoff success that has eluded them for so long. The “Dak Prescott trade” remains a fascinating “what if,” but the current landscape strongly suggests he will remain the quarterback in Dallas.
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