Recall that Prescott’s current contract includes no-franchise tag and no-trade clauses, enabling him to become a free agency in 2025. Before this most recent development, K.D. Drummond of USA Today speculated about the Cowboys’ limited options at quarterback in the event that the team is unable to re-sign Prescott.
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A possible trade prospect that we recently talked about is Kyler Murray. Due to his deal, the quarterback is not particularly appealing, nor is he a clear improvement over Prescott. In 2025, the Cowboys might take a closer look at the less expensive alternative of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson.
“Justin Fields, who is currently in Pittsburgh, and Trey Lance, who is already in Dallas, are among a group of guys who haven’t yet established themselves,” Drummond wrote in an article titled “It may be time for Cowboys to focus on 2025, so here’s the plan” published on March 19, 2024. “What if the Steelers are able to get Russell Wilson back on track? After the 2019 season, he too becomes a free agent.
“Kyler Murray of Arizona becomes tradable in 2025, with a $33 million dead cap hit to the Cardinals and $12 million in savings if traded. He has no guarantee money remaining for the acquiring club after that season.”
Cowboys Rumor: If Dak Prescott Leaves, Dallas Would Heavily Overdraw Its Dead Cap in 2025
The Cowboys would have few other options because of the dead money the organization would be losing if Prescott goes, in addition to the scarcity of signal-callers. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that because of void years, Prescott would cost the Cowboys a total of $95 million in dead cap hits. A $45 million dead cap hit would be owed by the Cowboys in 2025, according to Joseph Hoyt of LoneStarLive.com.
In a statement posted on X on March 26, Hoyt said, “After this coming season, Prescott, Cooper Rush, and Trey Lance are all set to be free agents.” Prescott’s deal has voidable years, so the Cowboys are already anticipating a $40 million cap charge should he depart in the upcoming season. It would be a costly, empty QB room.
Cowboys Rumor: Russell Wilson May Be a Less Expensive Option at Quarterback
The Denver Broncos offered Wilson a five-year, $242 million contract; this was less about Wilson’s on-field performance and more about the terms of the deal. Wilson agreed to a $1.2 million, one-year contract with the Steelers; he will be a free agent once more in the upcoming summer.
Although Wilson’s performance did not live up to this high price tag, he did show improvement from his rookie season in Denver. Wilson had a commendable 77.5 for 2023 from Pro Football Focus.
What Wilson’s team will be getting in 2025 is the big mystery around the player. Wilson’s only edge over Prescott, besides cost, is playoff performance. Wilson has a 9-7 playoff record, a championship, and two Super Bowl appearances under his belt.
It will take time to see if Wilson, who is 35 years old, can relive any of this postseason magic. The Cowboys were one of the four clubs that quarterback Russell Wilson would approve as a trade destination in 2021, according to agent Mark Rodgers for the quarterback while he was with the Seattle Seahawks. Dallas might take notice of Wilson if he can reestablish himself as an NFL starter in Pittsburgh.
