A former NFL star recently sparked controversy by calling for the Dallas Cowboys to trade their quarterback, Dak Prescott, citing his underwhelming performances and the team’s stagnant playoff success. The comments, which have quickly gained traction, have once again fueled the ongoing debate over Prescott’s future in Dallas, despite the quarterback’s solid career stats and leadership qualities.
The former player, who has a long history with the league, pointed to Prescott’s inability to consistently lead the Cowboys past the divisional round of the playoffs, despite having a talented roster surrounding him. While Prescott has been statistically impressive, throwing for over 4,000 yards in multiple seasons and maintaining a relatively low turnover rate, critics argue that he fails to deliver in high-pressure situations. The Cowboys’ lack of postseason success in recent years—especially after their 2022 playoff exit against the San Francisco 49ers—has placed even more scrutiny on Prescott’s performances when it matters most.
One of the key criticisms is Prescott’s struggles against elite defenses and in critical games. Despite having one of the NFL’s best offensive lines and skill position players, including star running back Tony Pollard and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, Prescott has often faltered when facing top-tier competition. In several of the Cowboys’ playoff losses, Prescott’s mistakes—whether it be missed throws, costly interceptions, or lack of execution in the clutch—have been a focal point.
Another argument for a trade is the financial aspect. Prescott’s contract, which was extended in 2021, has made him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league. Some believe the Cowboys could use that financial flexibility to upgrade other areas of the team, including their defense or offensive line. In the modern NFL, where quarterback salaries are increasingly high, teams are starting to recognize that a top-tier quarterback is not always necessary to win a Super Bowl, as evidenced by teams like the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, or even the current San Francisco 49ers, who boast a stout defense and a game-managing quarterback in Brock Purdy.
While a trade of Prescott would be a bold move, it’s unclear whether the Cowboys would actually pull the trigger on such a drastic decision. Prescott has been the face of the franchise since taking over as the starting quarterback in 2016, and the Cowboys are still contenders in the NFC. However, the calls for a trade highlight the pressure Prescott faces and the high expectations that come with being the quarterback of America’s Team.
