Things are getting a little tougher for the Dallas Cowboys as the team appears to be headed for a new contract showdown with Dak Prescott. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that a new contract extension is not yet in sight, which “appears to clear the way for Dak Prescott to test free agency in 2025.”
As a reminder, Prescott’s current contract includes a franchise clause and a no-trade clause that allows him to become a free agent in 2025. Before this latest news, from K.D. USA Today: Drummond reflected on the Cowboys’ limited quarterback options if the team is unable to re-sign Prescott. We recently discussed Kyler Murray as a potential trade candidate. The quarterback’s appeal is limited due to his contract, but he’s not clearly an improvement over Prescott. A cheaper option for the Cowboys to consider in 2025 is new Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson.
“Trey Lance is already in Dallas and is part of a group that is not yet established, along with Justin Fields who is now in Pittsburgh,” Drummond said in the March 19, 2024 article “It May Be Time for the Cowboys.” wrote. It’s scheduled for 2025, so this is the plan. “What if Russell Wilson bounces back with the Steelers? He also becomes a free agent after next year.” “Arizona’s Kyler Murray is scheduled to be available for trade in 2025, and if he is traded, the Cardinals would have a dead cap of $33 million and a savings of $12 million, but after this season, the Cardinals would not be able to acquire him. There is no guarantee that you will get more money.”
Cowboys Rumors: Dallas Would Have a $45 Million Dead Cap Hit in 2025 If Dak Prescott Leaves
One reason the Cowboys have few replacement options is not only the limited availability of signal callers, but also the dead money the team would eat up if Prescott were to leave. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Cowboys’ total dead cap payout for Prescott will be $95 million due to the voidable years. The Cowboys will take a $45 million dead cap hit in 2025, according to Joseph Hoyt of LoneStarLive.com. “Prescott, Cooper Rush and Trey Lance are scheduled to become free agents after next season,” Hoyt said in a message on March 26, explaining that if he left, he would reach the million-cap mark next year. It’s going to be an expensive/empty QB room. ”
Cowboys Rumors: Russell Wilson Could Be an Affordable Alternative QB Option
Wilson’s issues went beyond his play on the field and were related to the five-year, $242 million contract the former Pro Bowler signed with the Denver Broncos. Wilson signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Steelers and will become a free agent again next offseason. Although the quarterback’s play didn’t live up to his hefty price tag, Wilson showed improvement from his first year in Denver. Pro Football Focus gave Wilson a respectable 77.5 grade in 2023.
Looking ahead to 2025, the question for Wilson is which version of the star the team will get. Other than his price, the only advantage Wilson has over Prescott is his playoff success. Wilson has championship experience, appearing in two Super Bowls and posting a 9-7 record in the playoffs. Only time will tell if Wilson can recapture some of his postseason magic at age 35. During his time with the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson’s agent Mark Rodgers touted the Cowboys as one of four teams Wilson would sign with in a 2021 trade. Wilson has a chance to re-establish himself in Pittsburgh as an NFL starter who could attract Dallas’ attention.
